The Nigerian military has recorded a major success in the ongoing war against banditry in the North-West with the elimination of Aminu Kanawa, a top lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
According to a military statement, Kanawa was neutralised in a precision airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force on terrorist hideouts in the eastern part of Sokoto State. The operation also left several other high-profile members of the Turji-led gang either killed or severely injured.
Among those reportedly injured in the aerial assault are Turji’s younger brother, identified as Dosso, and one of his most trusted associates, Danbokolo. The strike also led to the deaths of key field commanders including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba, and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe.
Security sources confirmed that the operation was part of ongoing coordinated efforts to dismantle the network of armed groups terrorising communities in Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara States.
“This is a major blow to the Bello Turji faction. The elimination of his second-in-command will severely impair their operational capabilities,” a military officer involved in the operation told reporters on condition of anonymity.
The strike comes in the wake of renewed threats by Turji, which had forced residents of several rural communities in Sokoto to flee for fear of reprisal attacks. The air operation was reportedly launched following credible intelligence gathered by military surveillance teams operating in the area.
Though Turji himself was not confirmed among the casualties, military authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fugitive warlord, who has long been on the security forces’ watchlist.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has urged residents in affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing actionable intelligence that could aid ongoing operations.
The recent success adds to a series of offensives by the Nigerian military aimed at restoring peace and order in the region, which has been plagued by persistent banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks.
