By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reassured of  the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to capturing the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Speaking to the press on Friday (today, September 20), General Musa assured the public that Turji’s reign of terror would soon come to an end, just as it did for another notorious bandit, Halilu Sububu, stating that the military is closing in on Turji, and it is only a matter of time before he meets his downfall.
“When I mentioned that we were closing in on them, the next day we successfully apprehended Halilu. The same fate awaits Turji, and I can guarantee that he is on the run, confused, and unsure of what to do,” General Musa stated.
He further revealed that even Turji’s own criminal associates are turning against him, seeking to eliminate him due to the pressure his actions have brought upon them.
The military, he affirmed, will maintain relentless pressure until Turji is neutralized.
General Musa expressed confidence that Turji would be apprehended in the shortest possible time, stressing that the military’s operations are yielding positive results.
He took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to members of the public against aiding and abetting the bandits in any form, including providing them with medical care and other assistance.
“Anyone who aids a bandit is as guilty as the bandits themselves. If you are caught, you will be treated as a bandit and a terrorist,” he cautioned.
Additionally, General Musa called for a ban on the use of heavy-duty motorcycles, noting that bandits often rely on them to move swiftly through forests and across state borders, evading law enforcement. He urged for increased community cooperation, particularly through the formation of local vigilante groups to complement the military’s efforts in combating the growing insecurity in the country.
He stressed that the collaboration between the military and local communities is vital in curbing the menace of banditry and restoring peace and security to affected regions.
Bello Turji is one of the most notorious bandits in Nigeria, infamous for leading violent criminal activities, particularly in the northern region of the country. His operations are centered around the North-Western states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina, which have been heavily impacted by banditry, kidnappings, and other forms of organized crime.
Turji has gained prominence for orchestrating attacks on villages, raiding communities, abducting individuals for ransom, and terrorizing the local populations.
