The Nigerian Military has dismissed recent media claims suggesting that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, responsible for terrorizing communities in Zamfara, Kebbi, and parts of Katsina states, has surrendered.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, clarified: “Bello Turji has not surrendered. We are actively tracking him, and he remains a wanted individual by the Nigerian military.”
This clarification comes in response to statements made by prominent Islamic cleric Asadus-Sunnah during a religious gathering in Kaduna on Monday.
The cleric had claimed that Turji released 32 kidnapped individuals and pledged to halt attacks on farmers following meetings with Islamic leaders at his hideout in Zamfara.
He further alleged that Turji had handed over some weapons as part of a peace initiative in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to the cleric, negotiations held in July in Fakai Forest included Turji and other key figures such as Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila.
These individuals were reportedly said to have agreed to terms ensuring farmers could safely access their lands. The cleric stated:
“We met Mr. Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. Reports claiming Dan Bakkolo was killed are false.
These leaders agreed to phased disarmament and allowed Shinkafi residents to farm safely. Mr. Turji also released 32 kidnapped captives.”
Videos showing the released captives and the challenging terrain they navigated to reach Turji’s camp were reportedly shared by the cleric.
However, Major General Kangye firmly rejected these claims, reiterating: “Bello Turji is still wanted by the Nigerian military.”
On a related note, Major General Kangye addressed allegations by Amnesty International regarding extra-judicial killings in the South East, stating:”These claims are untrue.
The military is not engaging in extra-judicial killings. Deploying troops to protect citizens while simultaneously targeting them is impossible. Amnesty International’s repeated assertions are false.”
Additionally, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that in response to recent protests by military retirees over unpaid benefits, the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, has engaged a five-member standing committee on veterans’ welfare to address the concerns of retired personnel.
