The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has swiftly refuted rumors circulating about the capture of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, urging the public to disregard such claims as “fake news.”
In a brief statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Edward Buba, the DHQ stated, “All news regarding the arrest of Bello Turji by troops should be treated as fake news, please.”
The clarification came after widespread reports suggested that Turji had been captured by military forces.
This development follows a statement from Brigadier General Opurum Timothy, Commander of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who labeled Turji a “coward” currently evading capture amidst a military offensive in Zamfara State.
General Opurum reaffirmed the military’s determination to eradicate banditry and restore peace to the Northwest region.
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Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, provided additional information, reporting that Turji was last seen in the Kalage Forest in the Mashema area of Eastern Kagara, Zamfara State.
According to Makama, Turji is operating from the forest alongside two key lieutenants, known as Office and Ibrahim Buzu.
Meanwhile, in a recent update, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed that Turji had expressed interest in negotiating with the Nigerian military, though it remains unclear what, if any, progress has been made in those discussions.
The military’s efforts continue as part of a broader campaign to root out bandits and bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
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