Military Kills Terrorist Leader’s Right-Hand Man…Govt Alerts Residents on Fleeing Bandits Amidst Military Heat…Southwest Security Network Intensifies Operations Against Bandits in Forests…Nigerian Air Force Destroys Terrorist Base in Niger Forest
● Troops Crush Bello Turji’s Network, Kill Key Deputy, Fighters in Northwest Nigeria
The Nigerian military has announced the death of Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to terrorist leader Bello Turji. Kanawa was taken down during recent operations in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, confirmed these developments on Wednesday, according to The Punch. He noted that Kanawa’s death is a “significant blow” to Turji’s network. Troops also killed over 30 of Turji’s close associates and severely injured others, including his younger brother.
Maj. Gen. Buba added, “Troops also neutralized another notable terrorist during the onslaught… identified as Suleiman, a loyalist of late terrorist leader Halilu Sububu.”
These efforts to dismantle Turji’s network follow previous successes, including the killing of Turji’s son and fighters earlier this week. “Troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed,” Buba stressed.
● Government Issues Safety Alert as Military Advances Against Bandits
The Sokoto State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant as military operations against bandit terrorists intensify in the eastern region and surrounding areas.
In a statement signed by retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, the government reported significant progress in the joint military operations. “Multiple terrorist enclaves have been destroyed, dozens of bandits neutralized, and hundreds of kidnapped victims rescued,” the statement, cited by Nigerian media, said.
Residents were warned to be cautious and report suspicious activities. “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,” it added.
● Southwest Security Network Deploys 2,000 Personnel to Evict Bandits from Forests
The Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit in Nigeria’s Southwest, has deployed over 2,000 personnel to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in forests across the region, The Punch reports.
Also known as the Southwest Security Network, Amotekun is a state-backed initiative aimed at enhancing local security across the six Southwest states: Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun.
Ondo Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, announced that “Amotekun rangers are in the forest already to flush out the bandits who may want to use our forests as hideouts.”
The operation follows reports that bandits and terrorists fleeing military operations in the northern region are seeking refuge in the Southwest.
Similarly, Oyo State Commander, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), noted that his men are on “red alert to respond appropriately to any threats,” aligning with intensified security measures in neighboring states.
● Nigerian Air Force Hits Bandits’ Stronghold Near Minna
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly killed numerous bandits and destroyed a logistics base in Alawa Forest, located in Shiroro County, Niger State, approximately 68 miles northeast of Minna, the state capital. Shiroro town itself is about 37 miles from Minna.
The January 21 airstrikes were conducted as part of a three-day offensive targeting terrorist hideouts in the area. The operation followed credible intelligence linking the terrorists to deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Shiroro last December, which claimed several civilian lives.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed, “A formation of fighter aircraft was dispatched to carry out precision airstrikes on identified targets in the forest. The strikes resulted in the neutralization of numerous armed bandits and the destruction of their logistics base, confirmed by multiple secondary explosions.”
Details of the operation remain limited, according to reports by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
What’s News Today? January 23, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
