Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma have dealt a significant blow to the operations of the notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji in Nigeria’s North West.
Between January 20 and 21, 2025, the military neutralized Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, and over 24 other terrorists in a series of coordinated assaults.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this development during a briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
He explained that the military’s offensive extended to several of Turji’s close allies and commanders, including notable figures such as Dosso, Turji’s younger brother, and Danbokolo, a trusted associate.
Other key members eliminated in the operations include Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe.
The military carried out these operations across multiple locations, including Gebe and Isa Local Government Areas in Sokoto State, as well as Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Among those targeted was Suleiman, a prominent loyalist of the late Halilu Sububu, another notorious terrorist leader. Suleiman was reportedly leading a reinforcement team to assist Turji’s camp when he was killed in a firefight near the Fakai high ground.
According to Major General Buba, the recent successes have left Turji’s camp in disarray.
He said, “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.
“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 firefight.
“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 destroyed.
“Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.”
