The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its dedication to apprehending the infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, assuring the public that he is currently under active surveillance and will soon be dealt with.
During an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, made this announcement.
“Let me clarify that there is no negotiation or compromise between Bello Turji and the Armed Forces.
“At this moment, Bello Turji is in hiding, and the Armed Forces are diligently pursuing him. They are consistently monitoring his movements, and it will not be long before he is neutralised,” Onumajuru stated.
He called on Nigerians to remain patient, noting that the process of tracking and neutralising bandit leaders is time-consuming due to their evasive tactics. Nevertheless, he assured that Turji’s influence in the Northwest would soon be curtailed as the military continues its pursuit.
Additionally, he urged community members to resist any attempts at extortion by bandits, emphasizing that military personnel are present to ensure their safety.
“Regarding Bello Turji’s imposition of fines, I previously mentioned our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities. It is crucial for these communities to trust that the Armed Forces are there to protect them. When they have that confidence, they can dismiss any demands for protection money or ransom as mere intimidation, knowing the Armed Forces are on their side.
“I urge the communities, through your platform, to reject any requests for protection fees in any form, as we have troops dedicated to ensuring security and allowing residents to carry out their daily activities,” he concluded.
