The Nigerian military has said that the most wanted bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, is living under intense pressure and in panic as security operatives have intensified operations against criminal groups in the North-West.

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during a tour of military operations in Zamfara State.

“Although Turji has not yet been captured, the military has placed him under constant pressure through ground attacks, human intelligence and modern surveillance,” he said.

“Based on the most current intelligence received, Bello Turji and others are currently in confusion and panic because of the intensity of our ongoing operations. They are relocating every few hours or days.”

He said claims that Turji controls a local government or community are not true, calling such reports propaganda by terrorists.

Idris asked, “How does someone without a permanent location control an axis or a local government? I dare Bello Turji to come out and name a single local government he controls.”

According to him, Turji and other top bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru and Dogo Gide, are being closely monitored across the northwest zone.

“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West. Leaders of these armed groups are being tracked through all available intelligence platforms,” he said.

He debunked reports that the military plans to release 70 bandits, saying there is no official backing for such claims.

“We have not received any circular, letter or formal communication regarding the release of 70 terrorists. What we are hearing are rumours, and we consider them fake news.”

He warned the public against spreading unverified information, noting that false reports, including those generated using artificial intelligence, are becoming more common.

On cross-border security, the commander said Nigeria has strengthened intelligence cooperation with neighbouring countries such as Niger and Benin Republic to stop the movement of armed groups like the Lakurawa terrorists.

Idris further stated that several Lakurawa fighters were killed during military operations around the Kamba area last month, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.

He assured Nigerians that the military will continue its fight against banditry and terrorism, adding that challenges are handled through proper military channels.

“We are ready to work, get more work and look for more work,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing operations will succeed. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)

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