Army provides latest updates on Bello Turji, tracks bandits’ leader’s movements

DDM News

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, assuring Nigerians that he remains under constant surveillance.

Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) he confirmed that Turji is currently in hiding but is being actively tracked by military intelligence and security forces.

The Army assured that Turji’s days of terrorizing communities in the North-West are numbered as intensified operations continue.

According to Onumajuru, the Army remains focused on dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to affected communities.

He dismissed speculations that the military has engaged in any form of negotiation with Turji, insisting that the Army’s only objective is his total neutralization.

Army intensifies operations to eliminate Turji

Speaking further on the military’s counter-banditry operations, Onumajuru explained that eliminating criminals like Turji requires strategic planning and patience.

He noted that the Army has been monitoring Turji’s movements, making it difficult for him to regroup or launch fresh attacks.

Tracking and neutralizing high-profile criminals, he said, involves intelligence-driven operations, which take time due to the vast and challenging terrains where these bandits operate.

However, he reassured Nigerians that the military remains fully committed to bringing Turji to justice.

“We are actively tracking him, and very soon, he will be eliminated,” Onumajuru stated.

He urged citizens to remain patient and continue supporting the Army’s efforts to secure the region.

Turji accused of extorting residents

Onumajuru also reacted to allegations made by Sokoto State lawmaker Aminu Almustapha Boza that Turji has been extorting residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Boza alleged that Turji’s gang has been imposing illegal levies on locals, forcing them to pay protection fees to avoid attacks.

The Army chief condemned such acts and called on affected communities to resist the bandits’ demands.

He assured residents that security forces are actively safeguarding the region and will not allow criminals to exploit or intimidate innocent people.

Army urges residents to reject extortion

Onumajuru encouraged residents not to succumb to Turji’s tactics of fear and intimidation.

He emphasized that the Army is fully deployed in the region to protect communities and prevent criminals from imposing illegal taxes.

“If someone demands protection money, reject it because the Army is there to protect you,” he stated.

He urged locals to report any threats or extortion attempts to security agencies for immediate action.

The Army, he said, remains committed to responding swiftly to any reports of criminal activities in the region.

Ensuring security in farming communities

The Army has intensified security measures to ensure that farming communities are protected and residents can go about their daily activities without fear.

Onumajuru reassured farmers that military operations have been strategically deployed to secure farmlands and prevent further attacks.

He stated that troops are stationed at key locations to counter any threats posed by Turji and his gang.

The military is also working closely with local security agencies and community leaders to identify and neutralize criminal hideouts.

Army continues operations in North-West

The Army has sustained its offensive against bandits and other criminal groups across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states.

Onumajuru disclosed that several bandit hideouts have been raided, leading to multiple arrests in recent weeks.

He noted that the Army is leveraging intelligence gathering and surveillance technology to track the movements of bandit leaders like Turji.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that can assist ongoing operations.

The Army, he said, is determined to rid the region of banditry and restore normalcy in affected areas.

Call for national support

The Army has appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing military efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.

Onumajuru emphasized that the fight against banditry requires collective action from both security forces and local communities.

He urged state governments, traditional rulers, and community leaders to continue working with security agencies to combat criminal activities.

The Army, he said, remains resolute in its mission to restore lasting peace in troubled areas.

Despite the challenges, military operations will persist until the security situation in the North-West is fully stabilized.

Army’s determination to end banditry

The Army remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling all criminal networks operating under Turji’s command.

Onumajuru assured Nigerians that troops are working day and night to track and eliminate the notorious bandits’ leader.

He reiterated that no criminal will be allowed to continue terrorizing innocent Nigerians under the watch of the military.

The Army, he said, will continue its relentless operations until every part of the North-West is secured.

Conclusion

The Army has reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and eliminating Bello Turji, assuring Nigerians that his capture or neutralization is imminent.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to reject extortion attempts and trust in the military’s ability to protect them.

Security operations in the North-West will continue until all threats posed by bandit leaders like Turji are eradicated.

The Army remain focused on restoring peace and stability in communities affected by banditry and criminal activities.

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