Terrorist mastermind Aminu Kanawa, known to be the second-in-command to terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, has been killed by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
Defence Headquarters on Wednesday revealed this, adding that the troops fatally wounded some of Turji’s closest allies, including his younger brother.
This development comes after DHQ revealed that the troops had on Monday killed Turji’s son and other fighters during clearance operations on his hideout.
The military also taunted the terrorist leader for abandoning his son and fighters during the gun duel.
DHQ had vowed to either capture or kill Turji in 2025, after mocking the military and challenging them in combat after being declared wanted and the arrest of his associate, Bako Wurgi, in December 2024.
The outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, on Wednesday, said the DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to capturing Turji despite the recent surrender of two terrorist leaders in the North-West region.
Buba said over seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of his fighters fleeing his hideout, were killed when troops invaded his hideout.
“Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorists in the NW of the country, between the 20-21 Jan 2025, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised 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 terrorists 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,” Buba said.
According to him, troops killed another notable terrorist identified as Suleiman and a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu during the onslaught on Turji’s hideout.
The late Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the firefight, Buba said, adding that “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 groups 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.”
