Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, a military operation in Nigeria’s Northwest region, have achieved a major breakthrough by neutralizing Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji. The operation marks a significant blow to the terrorist network operating across Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The joint air and ground assault also inflicted critical injuries on Turji’s younger brother, Dosso, and a close ally, Danbokolo. According to Major-General Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, the terrorist group is in disarray following the offensive.
Between January 20 and 21, troops eliminated over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s camp in areas spanning Gebe and Isa Local Government Areas in Sokoto State, as well as Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. Key commanders killed in the operation include Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, and others, further crippling Turji’s network.
Additionally, the military neutralized a reinforcement team led by Suleiman, a notorious loyalist of the late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu. Suleiman was attempting to rescue Turji’s camp when he was killed in a firefight near the Fakai high ground.
The air component of the operation also bombed a primary school in Zamfara State that was being used as a logistics hub for the terrorists. This action significantly weakened the group’s ability to sustain its operations.
“This is a significant blow to the terrorist network in the Northwest and their fighting capabilities,” Major-General Buba said during a briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that these groups were responsible for numerous kidnappings and attacks across local government areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the pressure until the terrorist groups are completely neutralized, stating that the ultimate goal is to create a safe and secure environment for all citizens in the region.
This latest success follows clearance operations conducted along the Shinkafai, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis, where Turji’s son and many of his fighters were recently neutralized. The ongoing onslaught represents a critical step in dismantling terror networks and restoring peace to the Northwest region.
