The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and eliminating notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, assuring Nigerians that his reign of terror will soon come to an end.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, made this declaration on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
He emphasized that the military is actively monitoring Turji’s whereabouts but refrained from revealing further details.
“First, I need to let you know that there is absolutely no back and forth between Bello Turji and the armed forces,” Onumajuru stated. “As I speak, Bello Turji is in hiding. The Armed Forces is tracking him, and very soon, he will be eliminated.”
He urged Nigerians to remain patient, explaining that dismantling a bandit network takes time, but assured that the military is working tirelessly to put an end to Turji’s operations in the Northwestern region of the country.
In a related development, a Sokoto State lawmaker, Honourable Aminu Almustapha Boza, recently confirmed that Turji has been imposing levies on residents in Isa Local Government Area.
READ ALSO: Zamfara: Bandits Abduct Two in Jangeru, Hours After Turji’s Group Attack
Speaking to our correspondent, Boza revealed that Turji has been extorting locals in the area.
However, Major General Onumajuru has urged residents to reject Turji’s demands, assuring them of military protection.
“The communities need to believe that the Armed Forces are there to protect them. It’s important that they call his bluff and refuse to pay any levies,” Onumajuru said. “We have troops ensuring farm security and enabling normal activities. No one should give in to Turji’s demands.”
The military continues to conduct operations to dismantle bandit strongholds and restore peace to affected regions.