There are indications that the military’s firepower is fast catching up with the dreaded terrorist leader, Bello Turji, as troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA operating in the Northwest neutralised his second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa....Read Full Article >>➤
The development came some 72 hours after his son was killed alongside other combatants, during a raid on Turji’s hideouts around Fakai high ground.
The military high command also said troops inflicted terminal injuries on some of Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).
Director Defence Media Operations Major-General Edward Buba announced this in a statement Wednesday in Abuja.
He said troops neutralised several of 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, Buba said troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa local government areas 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,” he said.
The military spokesman described the death of Turji’s second-in-command, close allies, commanders and combatants as a significant blow to the terrorist network in the Northwest, as well as their military and fighting capabilities.
He said this group of terrorists had been “notorious for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the North West, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto states.”
Buba said: “Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens.”
…Radda rules out negotiation
In a related development, Katsina state Governor Dikko Umaru Radda said he was not ready for any form of negotiation with criminal elements causing security breaches in the state.
Rather, he said, his administration would reintegrate terrorists who willingly surrendered to embrace peace.
He spoke while receiving in audience the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Major-General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, who visited him at the Government House, Katsina.
Rather, Radda said, the state government can only go into a peace deal with the bandits on some laid down conditions to ensure lasting peace.
He said the negotiation can only be successful with the full acceptance and involvement of the concerned members of the communities.
Governor Radda also said a stakeholder-engagement committee had been established to ensure community involvement in peace-building initiatives, expressing openness to supporting genuine repentance and reintegration.
He said: “The bandits are our brothers born within us, but choose to be criminals. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration…We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society.”
While reaffirming the state’s huge investment in security infrastructure, which, according to him, surpassed many others in the country, the governor pledged continued logistical support to address fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness.
The governor lauded the exemplary leadership of the Division and Brigade Commanders, who, he said, personally lead operations and demonstrate unwavering dedication.
Their efforts, coupled with the collaborative operations of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps, had yielded significant improvements in the state’s security.
He said: “Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to market…This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies.”
Speaking earlier, Major-General Ajose told the governor he was in the state as part of his first quarter operational visit to all states under the 8th Division, to discuss with the state government the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.
“This initiative aims to mobilise communities, enhance security operations and foster sustainable peace,” Ajose explained.
He recalled the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, had written to the four states within the zone on the recent developments, particularly reports of some bandits expressing interest in negotiating peace.
“It is important to state categorically that the Nigerian Army does not engage in negotiations with criminals or bandits, we are committed to exploring holistic approaches to address this persistent and wicked challenge,” said the GOC.
He was full of appreciation to Governor Radda for the consistent support to security operations in the state, citing the release of funds for development of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) as one of such gestures.
At the meeting were Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, Chief of Staff to the Governor AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir, and Principal Private Secretary to the Governor Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, as well as some cabinet members.
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