The Nigerian military is actively tracking Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader responsible for widespread violence and kidnappings in the North-Western states of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, assured the public that Turji is in hiding and that the military is closing in on him.
He said the military’s efforts take time, especially when tracking elusive figures like Turji, but reassured Nigerians that the bandit leader will soon be eliminated.
Onumajuru also urged the residents of affected communities not to pay protection money to Turji or his associates, stressing that the Armed Forces are committed to their safety and will provide the necessary protection.
This isn’t the first time the military has promised to deal with Turji, but with continued operations, officials are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is captured or killed.
The military has reportedly been targeting those who support or provide resources to Turji, weakening his network.
“First, I need to let you know that there is absolutely no forth and back between Bello Turji and the armed forces.
“As I speak Bello Turji is hiding, completely in hiding and the armed forces is tracking him, the Armed Forces continuously track him and very soon he will be eliminated,” Major General Onumajuru said.
Onumajuru appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the Armed Forces, saying that tracking a bandit leadership can take time in some cases, but assured that it won’t be too long before Turji is brought down and his operation in the Northwestern part of the country ended.
A Sokoto State Lawmaker, Honourable Aminu Almustapha Boza, last week confirmed the presence of Turji in one of the forests in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The Lawmaker, who represents Sabon Birni Local Government Area in the state House of Assembly, told our correspondent in a telephone chat that Turji has been collecting tax from the people in the area.
However, Major General Onumajuru has urged the people of Sokoto to call Turji’s bluff and refrain from paying the tax, assuring them of the military’s protection.
“Talking about Bello Turji imposing fines, remember I did talk about protecting vulnerable communities. Now, the communities need to believe that the Armed Forces are protecting them and when they believe that it’s a question of calling anybody that asks you for protection money or ransom money bluff because the Armed Forces is there to protect you.
“So, I want to ask the communities now through your medium, do not accede to request for protection levy in whatever form because we have troops who guarantee farms security, who open space to go about your normal activities,” Major General Onumajuru said.
This is not the first time the military is promising to get hold of Turji who has been tormenting the North-West region for a long time.
