The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, has said notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is in panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and other armed group leaders in the North-West.
Idris disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents during a tour of the operations theatre, noting that Turji is under sustained pressure from coordinated ground offensives, human intelligence, and technology-driven surveillance.
“Based on the most current intelligence received, Bello Turji and others are currently in confusion and panic because of the intensity of our current operations. They are relocating after every few hours, every few days,” he said.
The commander dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government area, describing such reports as propaganda by armed groups.
“How does a person who does not have a permanent location control an axis or a local government?” Idris asked, challenging Turji to identify any area under his control.
He said other notorious bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru, and Dogo Gide, are also being actively pursued, adding that sustained intelligence-led operations would soon neutralise them.
“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West region,” Idris said.
He also dismissed reports of an alleged plan by the Katsina State government to release 70 bandits, describing the claims as false and unsubstantiated.
“We have not received any circular, letter, or formal information regarding the release of 70 terrorists. What we are hearing are rumours, and we consider them fake news,” he stated.
Idris warned against the spread of misinformation, noting the growing use of artificial intelligence-generated content to mislead the public.
On regional cooperation, he said the military has strengthened intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries, including Niger and the Benin Republic, to curb cross-border movements of armed groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists. He disclosed that several Lakurawa fighters were killed during recent operations around the Kamba area, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of four suspects linked to Turji following their failure to appear for trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the arrest of Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, also known as Doctor, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma after an application by the Federal Government.
The suspects are standing trial on terrorism-related charges linked to Turji, who remains at large. The Federal Government filed an 11-count charge accusing the defendants of providing material support, logistics, weapons, and medical assistance to terrorist groups operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
The offences are said to be contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013. The case was adjourned until February 24 for continuation of the trial.
