Army Chief Announces Fresh Plans To Eliminate Turji Bello, Sends Important Message To Northerners; See Details
The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and eliminating notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Defence Operations, made this declaration while speaking on Channels TV’ s The Morning Brief on Monday, February 24, 2025.
According to him, Turji is currently in hiding, and the military is closing in on his location.
” There is absolutely no back and forth between Bello Turji and the armed forces. As I speak, he is completely in hiding, and the military is tracking him. Very soon, he will be eliminated, ” Onumajuru stated.
The Defence Chief urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that tracking high- profile criminals can take time. However, he reassured the public that the military’ s efforts in the Northwest would soon put an end to Turji’ s reign of terror.
Addressing reports that Turji has been extorting residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Onumajuru dismissed the claim, insisting that locals should not yield to such intimidation.
He particularly reacted to allegations made by Sokoto lawmaker, Aminu Almustapha Boza, who recently claimed that Turji was collecting illegal taxes from residents in the region.
Onumajuru called on residents to reject any demands for protection fees, assuring them of the military’ s unwavering support.
> ” The Armed Forces are here to protect you. Communities must trust in this and refuse to pay any protection levy or ransom. Our troops are on the ground to secure farmlands and ensure people go about their normal activities without fear, ” he said.
The military’ s vow to take down Turji comes amid rising concerns over banditry and insecurity in Nigeria’ s northern region. As security forces intensify their operations, Nigerians are hopeful that the long- awaited capture or elimination of Turji will bring relief to affected communities.
