Crime
Troops close in on bandit leader Turji, kill commanders, 24 militants
It appears that troops are steadily closing in on notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, following a series of recent bombardments on his hideouts by the Nigerian military.
In the last few weeks, the military has intensified operations targeted at Turji’s known hideouts, which has been largely successful.
Turji is a notorious terrorist leader operating in North-western Nigeria, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states.
He had vowed to unleash terror on residents of Zamafara communities in 2025 over the arrest of his associate Bako Wurgi.
On Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters announced that the second-in-command to terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, Aminu Kanawa, has been killed by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
The DHQ also stated that troops inflicted serious injuries on some of Turji’s close allies, including his younger brother.
This development comes after the DHQ revealed on Monday that troops killed Turji’s fighters and son during clearance operations on his hideout.
The military also taunted the terrorist leader for abandoning his son and fighters during the gun duel.
The DHQ had previously vowed to capture or kill Turji in 2025, following his repeated mockery of the military and challenge to engage them in combat after being declared wanted and the arrest of his associate, Bako Wurgi, in December 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to capturing Turji despite the recent surrender of two terrorist leaders in the North-West region.
Giving an update on the operation in the North West on Wednesday, the outgoing Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, also stated that over seven key commanders of Turji, along with more than 24 of Turji’s fighters fleeing his hideout, were killed when troops stormed his hideout.
Buba said, “Sequel to ongoing military onslaught on terrorist 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 terrorist 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 also said troops killed another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Turji’s hideout.
He said, “Troops also neutralised 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.
“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.”
The onslaught on Turji and his group has brought delights to some residents of
Sokoto State has commended the Nigerian security agents, especially the Military for their efforts in dealing with bandits Kingpin and his gangs.
Speaking on the development, Abubakar Isa, a resident of Isa, in Isa local government area of the state, said the news of the killing is a welcome development to the people of the area.
He said the people of the area especially those in the rural areas have been suffering from the antics of the bandits for a long time which he said has collapsed the economic activities of the local government.
Mallam Nuhu Bello, a commercial motorcycle operator in the state, said the killing is a welcome development for the people of Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Bello, who hailed from Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara, said the atrocities of Turji and his gang was the reason why he left his community where he used to farm for motorcycle riding in Sokoto.
“I ran from my community because of those bandits. I used to be a farmer but had to run for safety when we couldn’t access our farms unless we pay them tax.
“The killing will definitely make the people in Shinkafi feel good and happy, “ he added.
Mallam Altini Bashar, a security commentator while speaking with one of our correspondents, commended the military efforts in the victory being recorded.
He said the military actions resulted in killing of many members of the bandits group.
He however said the real identity of those killed can only be ascertained when the operation comes to an end.
“Yes, I heard of the exercise and the killings, but I cannot confirm those who have been killed in the exercise.
“ I believe after the end of the exercise, we will know the real identity of those who lost their lives in the fight”
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government warned residents to remain vigilant as military operations against bandit terrorists intensify in the eastern part of the state.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, the government highlighted the success of the ongoing joint military operations, which he said had left the bandits disorganised.
The statement added that multiple terrorist enclaves had been destroyed, dozens of bandits neutralized and hundreds of kidnapped victims rescued.
The statement urged residents to be cautious and report any suspicious activities in their communities.
“As security forces increase pressure on the bandits, some of them are fleeing to other areas with injured members. We are raising awareness to ensure our people remain alert, as these bandits may attempt to hide in villages or seek medical treatment at local clinics under disguise,” the statement read.
The government reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the state, adding that residents were encouraged to play an active role by reporting unusual activities to the authorities to support the ongoing efforts to secure the region.
“This proactive measure aligns with the governor’s nine-point agenda to create a safer and more economically viable Sokoto State.
“The government remains determined to work collaboratively with security operatives to protect citizens and maintain peace in the state,” the statement stated.
According to a statement on Friday, the arrested officers are: “AP/No. 207454, ASP Elomore Sodayo; AP/No. 332012, Inspector Adefila Adewale; AP/No. 332449, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi; and AP/No. 332369, Inspector Odusola Peter.”
Speaking at the command headquarters in Akure on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said the police had zero tolerance for indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.
He added that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved.
He added that officers were expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism, respect human dignity and comply strictly with the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone any form of misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the Force into disrepute,” the commissioner said.
He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted to determine the facts of the case, adding that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
This was said to be part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity.
Disu gave the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
According to the IG, the order followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the persistent insecurity in Benue State must be brought to an end.
He stressed that only authorised security personnel were legally permitted to bear firearms, warning that the era of passive policing was over.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu disclosed that police officers had been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats without waiting for directives from superior officers.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow.
“They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you.”
He called on residents to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the fight against armed criminality.
Benue State has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property.
The federal government has continued to deploy additional security personnel and adopt tougher measures aimed at restoring peace in the state.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Fresh fears have gripped residents of Ifite Awka following an alleged plot by suspected gunmen to establish camps in the area where four Fulani herders were killed two days ago.
Security reports indicate that the attack may have been aimed at scaring away visitors to the bush in an attempt to facilitate the establishment of new camps in the area.
Residents recalled that similar tactics had allegedly been used by criminal elements to take over communities, often with the assistance of local collaborators.
The area shares boundaries with Awka North Local Government Area, where there have been reports of gunmen operating in some communities.
Following the development, youths from Ifite Awka have stormed the Ifite Agu area in a manhunt for the suspected gunmen.
The development comes as Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued a fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals (PGs) of communities to take charge of the security architecture in their respective areas in conjunction with local security operatives and the mayors of the 21 local government areas.
It was gathered that as early as 5 a.m., some youths in the area had moved into the bushes in search of the suspected gunmen and cattle reportedly missing following the incident.
The youths were accompanied by local hunters who assisted in the search.
Speaking with reporters, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, confirmed the fresh directive to traditional rulers and President-Generals of communities across the state.
He said, “We have a government that is people-oriented and that is the government of Prof. Charles Soludo, who is a man that loves the people, is at home with the ordinary people and feels their pains.”
Aburime described the incident as unfortunate and urged the police and other relevant security agencies to take immediate action.
He noted that traditional rulers and President-Generals are the first points of contact when it comes to the security of lives and property in their communities, adding that the governor had reiterated his charge to security stakeholders to take control of security in their respective areas.
He, however, said the possibility of sabotage could not be ruled out, but added that it would be premature to draw conclusions before the completion of investigations by the relevant security agencies.
“The issue of sabotage against security in Anambra State cannot be ruled out, and that could just be an attempt to undermine the efforts of the government. But I cannot categorically tell you that it is an act of sabotage. We have to wait for the investigations of the security agencies before drawing conclusions,” he said.
He added that the Agunechemba Security Squad was working to improve security in the state, noting that residents had commended the governor for the improved security situation.
“We have a good security architecture in place, and I can tell you that this could just be an isolated incident. Everything necessary that needs to be done will be done in that regard,” Aburime said.
He stressed that security was the responsibility of everyone, regardless of social status or position.
“It is very simple, and the governor has always said that security is everybody’s business. When it happens, it affects everyone, irrespective of class or position,” he said.
According to him, “The President-Generals and traditional rulers are the first points of security in their communities and should be able to ensure that there is no security breach in their respective localities.”
He urged residents to provide useful intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that their identities would be protected.
“If you see something, say something. These people doing these things are human beings, and they live in the localities. People should be able to know them. They should avail us of intelligence reports, and that will help us fish them out. Your identity will always be protected,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Sanusi, has urged residents, particularly youths, to resist attempts by police officers to search their mobile phones during stop-and-search operations.
Sanusi said such searches violate a directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, stressing that officers are not permitted to randomly search the phones of members of the public.
The commissioner made the remarks during a press conference shared by News Central Television on Tuesday.
He explained that although mobile phones could be used as evidence in criminal investigations, they should only be examined after a suspect has been lawfully arrested and taken to a police station.
According to him, officers are not authorised to stop people on the road and demand access to their phones merely on suspicion that they may be involved in internet fraud or other criminal activities.
Sanusi urged residents confronted by officers demanding to search their phones to seek assistance by contacting the police emergency line or nearby police officers.
He reaffirmed the FCT Police Command’s commitment to enforcing the Inspector-General’s directive, warning that officers found violating the order would face disciplinary action.
He said the command would continue to take action against officers who abuse their authority or engage in extortion under the guise of conducting stop-and-search operations.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding a woman of ₦500,000 under the guise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Calabar.
According to the statement, Ekpeme was arrested by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South Local Government Area following a petition by a 45-year-old woman, Mrs Edemawan Samuel.
The complainant alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and collected ₦500,000 from her after promising to facilitate employment for her children at UCTH.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the woman into handing over the money.
Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged offences were also recovered during the investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The police spokesperson said the suspect is being investigated for alleged impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence and unlawful use of medical equipment.
The Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, has directed detectives to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices.
The command said the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of investigations if sufficient evidence is established.
The police assured members of the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The arrest comes weeks after the Edo State Police Command announced the arrest of a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, who was accused of impersonating a medical doctor and allegedly delivering babies and trafficking newborns.
The Edo suspect was arrested following a complaint by a woman, Princess Oke, who reported that the baby she delivered under his care had gone missing, leading to a police investigation.
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