People like Bello Turji should not be allowed to ‘stay’ -Chief of Defence Staff
Bello Turji, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Zamfara, may be on the brink of surrendering, according to General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). However, the defence chief believes that people like Bello should be killed.
Speaking on Politics Today, Musa revealed that sustained military operations targeting Turji’s network have significantly weakened his stronghold. He disclosed that the recent offensive led to the elimination of Turji’s second-in-command and several key lieutenants, leaving the bandit leader with dwindling options.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the military in neutralizing Turji’s group, Musa pointed to the vast and rugged terrain of the northwest region, including expansive forests that cover the insurgents.
“North-west is over 200,000 square kilometres. It’s a massive area with a large forest. Once they go under the forest, it becomes difficult to track them,” Musa said.
He explained that Turji’s group often operates within local communities, complicating efforts to pinpoint their movements. “The terrorists are within the communities; the people know them. Sometimes when they’re seen, by the time the information reaches us, two hours have passed, and they’ve moved,” the CDS explained.
Despite these challenges, Musa emphasized the military’s recent successes. “We have taken out his second-in-command and most of his lieutenants. He is now being forced to release most of the people under him,” he said.
The military chief added that Turji’s deteriorating position has pushed him to express a willingness to surrender. “Recently, he has been saying he doesn’t want anything anymore. He is ready to surrender,” Musa noted.
However, the CDS stressed that surrender alone would not absolve Turji of his crimes. “Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay,” he said firmly, signalling the military’s commitment to justice.
The military’s operations in the northwest aim to dismantle the insurgents’ network and restore peace to a region plagued by banditry and insecurity. The potential surrender of Bello Turji, if confirmed, would mark a significant milestone in the fight against banditry in Zamfara and beyond.
