Abuja: The Nigerian army has successfully eliminated one of the top commanders of a terrorist group, along with 31 fighters, in a strategic military operation in the northwestern region of Nigeria. The operation, conducted in an area beset by violence, marks a significant achievement for the country's armed forces.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Wednesday that the army killed Aminu Kanawa, who was the second-in-command to notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, during Operation Fansan Yamma. Additionally, the operation resulted in the deaths of 31 terrorists and inflicted injuries on some of Turji's close associates, including his younger brother.

The announcement followed a previous statement by the DHQ on Monday, detailing earlier operations in which the army targeted Turji's fighters. These operations included a significant blow to Turji's network, forcing him to leave his son and other soldiers behind during the confrontation, as reported by the local daily Punch.

Bello Turji has been a prominent figure in orchestrating attacks against civilians and security forces in Nigeria's northwestern regions, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states. His loyalists have been responsible for massacres, including a brutal attack in 2022 that resulted in the deaths of over 200 people in Zamfara State.

According to data from Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics, the impact of insecurity-related attacks has been devastating, with nearly 615,000 people killed between May 2023 and April 2024. The northwest region has been the hardest hit, suffering more than 200,000 deaths.