Abuja – February 24, 2025

The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and eliminating notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, assuring the public that he remains under active surveillance and will soon be neutralized.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Operations, dismissed any notion of negotiations with Turji, emphasizing that security forces are closing in on the fugitive.

“As I speak, Bello Turji is completely in hiding, and the Armed Forces are tracking him. Very soon, he will be eliminated,” Onumajuru declared.

Military’s Strategy and Public Assurance

The general called on Nigerians to remain patient, explaining that eliminating high-profile criminals requires time due to their frequent movements and changing hideouts. However, he assured that Turji’s reign of terror in the Northwest would soon be over.

Responding to allegations made by Sokoto State lawmaker, Aminu Almustapha Boza, that Turji has been collecting illegal taxes from residents in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Onumajuru urged locals to resist extortion and trust in the military’s protection.

“Now, the communities need to believe that the Armed Forces are protecting them. I want to ask the communities, through your medium, not to accede to requests for protection levies in any form. We have troops ensuring farm security and protecting civilians,” he stated.

Ongoing Military Efforts Against Banditry

The Nigerian military has intensified its counter-banditry operations, recently reporting the neutralization of 82 terrorists and the rescue of 93 kidnap victims within a single week. The Chief of Army Staff has also given troops a one-month ultimatum to eliminate Turji and other criminal elements.

Residents in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states—areas heavily affected by banditry—have been encouraged to cooperate with security forces by providing intelligence and rejecting demands for ransom payments.

As the military continues its pursuit, Onumajuru reassured Nigerians that the fight against banditry remains a top priority, with Turji’s capture or elimination being imminent.