Terrorist kingpin Turji yet to surrender, military still on lookout – DHQ

By Paul Dada

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, has not surrendered to the Nigerian military, says the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said there was no truth in the rumour  claiming that Turji had surrendered. He said the terrorist remained at large.

“Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader Bello Turji: Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the lookout for him,” Kangye said.

Kangye, however, said the military was committed to apprehending Turji and dismantling all terrorist and bandit networks in the region.

The denial of the DHQ followed recent media claims suggesting that Turji had laid down his arms and released 32 kidnapped victims as part of a peace initiative allegedly brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.

Bello Turji is one of the most wanted bandit leaders in Nigeria, with a long-standing presence in the North-West, particularly Zamfara and Sokoto states. He has been accused of masterminding  numerous deadly attacks, mass kidnappings, and displacement of communities in the region.

Turji  is  notorious for leading a violent gang responsible for terrorising rural communities, leading to hundreds of deaths and abductions.

He has continued to evade capture amid ongoing  military operations.