The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, has disclosed that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is in panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and his fighters.
Idris made the revelation while briefing Defence Correspondents on a tour of the Command Headquarters in Zamfara.
Turji, known for mass killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, village raids, and arson across North-West communities, has remained elusive. However, coordinated ground offensives, human intelligence, and technology-driven surveillance have placed him under sustained pressure.
“Based on the latest intelligence, Bello Turji and his gang are currently confused and panicked due to the intensity of our operations. They are relocating every few hours, every few days,” Idris said.
The commander dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government areas or villages, branding such reports as propaganda aimed at boosting the bandit leader’s image.
“How does a person with no permanent location control an axis or local government? I dare Bello Turji to present a single local government under his control,” he said.
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Idris added that other notorious bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru, and Dogo Gide, are also under active pursuit across the theatre of operations. “All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West,” he stressed, noting that armed group leaders are tracked through all available intelligence platforms.
The theatre commander also addressed rumours regarding the planned release of 70 bandits, clarifying that no official directive exists.
“We have not received any circular, letter, or formal communication on the release of 70 terrorists. These are rumours, and we consider them fake news,” he said, warning against the spread of unverified reports, including AI-generated content.
On regional security cooperation, Idris confirmed strengthened intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries, including Niger and Benin Republic, to curb cross-border movements of armed groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists.
He revealed that several Lakurawa fighters were neutralised last month in operations around the Kamba general area, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.
Idris assured that the military would continue sustained operations against banditry and terrorism, noting that operational challenges are communicated through proper military channels rather than publicly.
“We are ready to work, get more work, and look for more work,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would yield results.
