The Nigerian military says notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is in panic mode, relocating frequently as intensified operations close in on him and other armed group leaders in the North-West.
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, disclosed this during a media tour in Zamfara State.
According to him, sustained ground offensives, human intelligence, and technology-driven surveillance have kept Turji constantly on the move.
“Based on the most current intelligence, Bello Turji and others are in confusion and panic. They are relocating every few hours or days,” Idris said.
He dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government area, describing such reports as terrorist propaganda.
Idris also confirmed that other notorious bandit leaders—Gwaska, Ado Aleru, and Dogo Gide—are being actively pursued.
The commander debunked rumours about a planned release of 70 bandits, calling them fake news, and warned against the spread of misinformation, including AI-generated content.
On regional security, Idris said Nigeria has strengthened intelligence sharing with Niger and Benin Republic to curb cross-border terrorist movements.
He revealed that several Lakurawa fighters were killed recently during operations around the Kamba area, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.
The military assured Nigerians that sustained operations will continue, expressing confidence that Bello Turji’s days are numbered.
