The Nigerian military has issued a stern warning to dreaded bandit kingpin, Kachalla Bello Turji, declaring that his days of terror are nearing an end.
The warning by the military comes after Turji slaughtered over 11 farmers in Lugu town, located in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The deadly assault reportedly occurred as Turji was returning from a Sallah visit to a local community in Isa.
Meanwhile, during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, debunked reports that the military had scaled back its efforts against bandits, cattle rustlers, and terrorists.
Kangye stated: “Then on the aspect of whether the troops are not, or they have downscaled their operations against cattle rustlers and some terrorists. No. Like I read out, troops intercepted some trucks loaded with cows, and they recovered them, and they are still on the hunt for high-value terrorists.
“I have also read out the report for the quarter, some high-value terrorists that were eliminated during the quarter. I have mentioned their names. So as for Bello Turji, it is just a matter of time, an appointment will be fixed with him by his maker,” he added.
Also, while addressing regional security concern, particularly in light of reports that the Republic of Niger may be planning to exit the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a coalition created by Lake Chad Basin countries to confront cross-border threats, Kangye said: “When you hear dem say, it means the information lacks credibility. I think this area has been a subject of discourse for the past few months, especially when some members of ECOWAS decided to form an alliance and attempted to exit ECOWAS,” Kangye explained.
“But, you know, the Multinational Joint Task Force was established by the Lake Chad Commission countries to address their common security concerns,” he said, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to the alliance.
“Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if for any reason a member decides to pull out, the implications will be substantial. The synergy we are supposed to enjoy may no longer be there.”
“It is not in our interest for any country to leave because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.”
“Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening. Do you understand? We will continue to examine the situation, and as we always do, we will provide further briefings when necessary.”