BY Onuora Aninwobodo
Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorist in the North West of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s namely, Aminu Kanawa.
Troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Bello Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).
Additionally, troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.
Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
Troops also neutralized another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Bello Turji’s Enclave around Fakai high ground. He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu. The late, Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s Camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight.
Army spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba said the death of Bello Turji’s second in command, close allies, commanders and combatants is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the NW of the country, as well as their military and fighting capabilities. These group of terrorists were notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the NW, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
“Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed. Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens”, Buba said.
Meanwhile, On 19 January 2025, two prominent terrorist leaders namely, Abu RADDE and UMAR BLACK, operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State surrendered to troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA operating in the NW operational theatre of the nation. The surrender was occassioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the ground troops and the air component which resulted in several terrorist dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.
On the whole, troops will continue to eliminate treats posed by terrorist and destroy them on the battlefield. The terrorist either surrender or be buried on the battlefield. Additionally, troops continue with their operations to create conditions whereby terrorist are denied the ability to carry out acts of terror against citizens.
During the operations, troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunitions as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorist. Troops are nevertheless sustaining the momentum as they continue the hunt for notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, among others.