Bandit leader, Bello Turji on the run, abandons captives

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –

Most wanted notorious bandit leader, terrorizing , Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of Niger State, Bello Turji has reportedly abandoned his captives and some of his herds while on the run from pillar to post for his dear life, a security source has said.  

The source, who preferred anonymity, said the intensified efforts of the Nigerian security forces following strict directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa towards apprehending fugitive Turji dead or alive has raised untold apprehension in the camp of the wanted bandit. 

Collaborating the source, a lake Chad Basin Counter- Terrorism and Insurgency Expert, Zagazola Makama, said the wanted bandit leader Turji might have freed the captives as a way of appeasing the Nigeria Army who are already closing in on him. 

According to Zagazola, the group loyal to Turji are also in disarray as everyone is running for their lives. 

The military has been dealing decisively with terrorists in the north western region of the country lately using both the air and ground components. 

Makama said Turji’s decision to “free the captives is linked to the intense pressure mounted by the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation FASAN YAMA and Operation Forest Sanity.”

Recall that recently, the Nigeria Army heavily descended on the Lakurawa sect in Sokoto and bandits in Katsina via airstrikes and ground offensives targeting their strategic locations . 

These locations that are hitherto considered fortified hideouts for Bello Turji in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara have now been taken over by the Nigeria Army thus forcing Turji to contemplate crossing over to neighbouring country. 

Commending the gallantry of Nigerians Army, Malam Nasiri Gatawa, from Isa local government area, Sokoto State, one of the most insecurity affected areas in the state, said, with such sustained commitments, issues of banditry, insurgency and terrorism will soon be over.