The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has affirmed that the military is on the verge of apprehending the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. Speaking during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme on December 31, 2024, General Musa disclosed that Turji is fully aware of the military’s pursuit and has resorted to operating clandestinely.
Despite these evasive tactics, the CDS assured that the military remains resolute in its efforts. “The update is that since he knows we’ve been after him, he has been operating underground, and we are conducting operations,” Musa stated when asked for an update on the fugitive bandit leader, who has been responsible for a series of violent acts in the Northeast.
The Defence Chief highlighted that the military has strategically targeted Turji’s network, capturing or neutralizing key allies and commanders. “What we have been doing, of recent, is that we are picking everybody close to him; all those giving him support in one way or the other, we have picked them, we have killed his commanders. It’s just a matter of time,” he added confidently.
Tackling Insurgency in the Northeast
General Musa also revealed significant progress in the fight against terrorism in the Northeast. Over 120,000 terrorists have reportedly surrendered to security forces, with many confessing during interrogations that they were coerced into insurgency. These revelations have provided critical intelligence, aiding the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The CDS vowed that those masterminding terrorism and banditry in Nigeria would be brought to justice. “We will ensure that the real perpetrators face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
National Security Strategy and Ongoing Efforts
The capture or neutralization of Bello Turji represents a significant milestone in the military’s broader efforts to restore peace and security across Nigeria. By dismantling Turji’s command structure, the military seeks to curb the activities of bandit groups that have plagued the region.
General Musa’s comments underline the military’s determination to eliminate threats to national security while addressing the socio-economic factors contributing to insurgency and banditry. As operations intensify, the CDS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the armed forces in their mission to safeguard the nation.