The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered to the Nigerian military.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, clarified the situation during a Thursday briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the armed forces remain actively pursuing Turji and his gang.
“Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader Bello Turji: Turji has not surrendered.
We are still on the lookout for him,” Maj. Gen. Kangye stated, addressing recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
Turji operates primarily in Zamfara and Sokoto states, where he has been implicated in orchestrating numerous attacks on local communities.
His gang has carried out kidnappings, raids, and killings that have destabilized several towns across the North-West.
Recent reports claimed that Turji had voluntarily surrendered his weapons and freed 32 kidnapping victims, following a peace initiative facilitated by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.
However, the DHQ swiftly dismissed these reports, affirming that no such surrender has occurred and that security forces continue to track the bandit leader.
The military has intensified operations in Turji’s strongholds, deploying ground troops and conducting coordinated air surveillance to apprehend him and dismantle his criminal networks.
Officials insist that the hunt for Turji remains a top priority, as his continued activities pose a serious threat to regional security.
Communities in Zamfara and Sokoto remain on high alert, with residents advised to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious movements.
Local authorities and military leaders have reassured citizens that sustained operations will continue until Turji and his accomplices are neutralized.
Maj. Gen. Kangye also highlighted the role of intelligence gathering and community collaboration in tracking high-profile criminals like Turji.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and warned that false reports about surrenders could undermine ongoing security efforts.
As the situation develops, the DHQ has promised regular updates on the military’s operations in the North-West.
Meanwhile, the hunt for Bello Turji continues, reflecting the Nigerian armed forces’ commitment to restoring safety and stability in regions plagued by banditry.