WAR DECLARED! After Bandit Warlord Turji Imposed N25M Levy On Villagers, SEE What Army Chief Vowed To Do
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling banditry in Zamfara State, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, declaring that security forces will relentlessly pursue the wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji.
During a high- level security briefing in Gusau, the state capital, Oluyede emphasized that the military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate key criminal elements terrorizing the region. Speaking at the headquarters of Operation Fansan Yamma, the special military task force combating banditry in the North West, the army chief assured residents that decisive action would be taken against Turji and his associates.
Addressing journalists, Oluyede described Turji as a fugitive desperately trying to evade capture, adding that his days of terrorizing innocent civilians were numbered.
” Bello Turji is constantly on the move, attempting to escape the reach of our troops, but there is nowhere for him to hide. We are tracking him relentlessly, and sooner rather than later, he will be taken out, ” the army chief stated.
He noted that the military’ s intelligence network had been monitoring the movements of Turji and his gang, ensuring that every attempt to establish new hideouts or regroup was met with swift action from security forces. Oluyede reassured citizens that no effort would be spared in dismantling the criminal networks responsible for attacks on communities, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in the region.
String Of Military Successes Against Bandit Leaders
Highlighting recent successes in the fight against banditry, Oluyede disclosed that several notorious bandit commanders had been neutralized in the past few months, significantly weakening criminal operations in Zamfara and neighboring states.
” Our troops have eliminated key figures in the banditry syndicate, including criminals such as Samaila, Boga, and the infamous Boderi. These individuals were responsible for countless attacks, and their demise is a clear indication that we are making progress, ” he revealed.
The COAS also commended the dedication and bravery of soldiers on the frontline, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made to restore peace in troubled areas. He emphasized that the military was not only focused on eliminating top bandit leaders but also on dismantling their supply chains, disrupting their financing, and neutralizing their strongholds in the forests.
Ongoing Military Operations And Future Strategies
Oluyede explained that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, was employing a multi- pronged strategy to combat banditry. This includes sustained ground assaults, coordinated airstrikes, and intelligence- led operations aimed at flushing out armed groups from their hideouts.
He further revealed that recent joint operations had led to the rescue of several kidnapped victims and the recovery of sophisticated weapons used by the bandits. According to him, ongoing efforts were also being made to cut off access to weapons and logistics, thereby crippling the ability of criminal gangs to sustain their activities.
” The battle against banditry is being fought on multiple fronts. We are intensifying intelligence gathering, strengthening partnerships with local vigilante groups, and working closely with traditional rulers to ensure communities are protected, ” Oluyede added.
Army Reaffirms Commitment To Protecting Civilians
As part of efforts to rebuild trust between security forces and local populations, the COAS assured residents of Zamfara that the military would continue to prioritize the protection of lives and property. He urged communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could aid in identifying criminal elements.
” We are here to protect you, and we need your support. If you see something, say something. The faster we get reliable intelligence, the more effectively we can act against these criminals, ” Oluyede stated.
He also called on state authorities and community leaders to play an active role in addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and lack of economic opportunities, which often fuel criminal activities.
A Call For Vigilance And Continued Military Action
Despite the military’ s gains, Oluyede acknowledged that the fight against banditry required sustained efforts and urged troops to remain vigilant and proactive. He assured the nation that under his leadership, the Nigerian Army would not relent until banditry was eradicated and peace fully restored in the North West region.
With intensified military pressure, intelligence- led operations, and cooperation from local communities, security experts believe that the capture or elimination of Bello Turji could mark a significant turning point in the war against banditry in Nigeria.w