The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and eliminating notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. The Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday. He stated that the military is aware of Turji’s current location but declined to provide further details.

Major General Onumajuru emphasized that there is no negotiation between the military and Turji, who is currently in hiding. He assured that the Armed Forces are actively tracking him and that his elimination is imminent. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that dismantling a bandit leadership can take time, but assured that it won’t be long before Turji is brought down and his operations in the Northwest are halted.

A Sokoto State lawmaker, Honourable Aminu Almustapha Boza, recently confirmed that Turji is hiding in a forest in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State and has been extorting residents. Boza, who represents Sabon Birni Local Government Area in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, revealed that Turji has been collecting illegal levies from locals.

In response, Major General Onumajuru urged residents to resist these demands and assured them of military protection. He reiterated that the Armed Forces are committed to safeguarding vulnerable communities and encouraged people to reject any request for protection levies or ransom payments, as troops are actively working to secure farmlands and open spaces for normal activities.

This is not the first time the military has vowed to capture Turji, who has terrorized the North-West region for years. During Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review program on December 31, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed that security forces are closing in on the notorious bandit leader.

General Musa explained that the military has intensified efforts to weaken Turji’s network by arresting or eliminating his close associates. He stated that Turji has been operating underground due to increased military pressure, but assured that his capture is only a matter of time. The Defence Chief further revealed that many of Turji’s key supporters have been apprehended or neutralized, leaving him increasingly isolated.

With the military’s renewed efforts, Nigerians remain hopeful that Turji’s criminal activities in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi will soon come to an end.