Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has expressed concern over the escalating attacks orchestrated by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
Speaking in an interview with RFI Hausa, Bafarawa revealed that Turji and his gang have been terrorizing communities along the Zamfara-Sokoto axis, causing widespread fear and disruption.
He called for urgent government intervention, stating, “If someone like Turji can unleash such havoc and disrupt movement in our communities, the government must act decisively.”
Turji recently issued a chilling threat in a video, warning that if his detained relatives were not released by January 1, 2025, he would wreak havoc. He declared, “I will begin 2025 by killing the people of Shinkafi. Then, we will demand ransom, and they will have no peace. We will destroy the peaceful order and bring back conflict. If they want to avoid this, they must release our people who were arrested.”
In response to Turji’s threats, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has reassured the public that the military is closing in on the notorious bandit leader.
Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme, Gen. Musa stated that Turji is aware of the military’s pursuit and has been operating underground to evade capture.
Despite this, Gen. Musa affirmed that Turji’s arrest is imminent, as the military has intensified operations in the region. “We are targeting everyone close to him—those providing support in any way. We have eliminated his commanders, and it’s only a matter of time before we get him,” he said.
The CDS also highlighted the success of military operations in the North-East, revealing that over 120,000 terrorists have surrendered. Many, he noted, were coerced into joining insurgent groups. He assured that the masterminds behind terrorist activities in the country would be brought to justice.
The government’s ongoing efforts aim to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace to the affected regions.
