Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has voiced serious concerns regarding the growing violence attributed to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, calling for urgent intervention from the government.
In an interview with RFI Hausa, Bafarawa highlighted the ongoing terror unleashed by Turji and his gang, who have been wreaking havoc along the Zamfara-Sokoto axis. This criminal group has caused widespread fear and disruptions in local communities, making it increasingly difficult for residents to live in peace and security.
Bafarawa emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “If someone like Turji can unleash such havoc and disrupt movement in our communities, the government must act decisively.” His call for action came after months of escalating violence in the region, which has prompted concern among citizens and local leaders alike.
The notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, recently issued a chilling ultimatum through a video message. He threatened to unleash further violence in 2025 unless his detained relatives were freed. In the video, he stated, “I will begin 2025 by killing the people of Shinkafi. Then, we will demand ransom, and they will have no peace. We will destroy the peaceful order and bring back conflict. If they want to avoid this, they must release our people who were arrested.” This ominous warning has heightened the fear and tension already prevailing in the region.
In response to Turji’s threats, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured the public that the military is intensifying its operations in the region to apprehend the bandit leader. Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme, Gen. Musa confirmed that Turji is aware of the ongoing pursuit by the military and has resorted to operating underground to avoid capture.
Despite Turji’s attempts to remain elusive, Gen. Musa expressed confidence that his arrest is imminent, stating, “We are targeting everyone close to him—those providing support in any way. We have eliminated his commanders, and it’s only a matter of time before we get him.” This statement was part of a broader discussion of the military’s efforts to crack down on banditry and terrorism across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff also spoke about the military’s progress in the North-East, where over 120,000 terrorists have surrendered as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Many of these individuals were forcibly recruited into terrorist groups, and the government has made it a priority to bring the masterminds behind these insurgent activities to justice.
The Nigerian government remains focused on dismantling bandit networks and restoring peace to affected regions, with military operations continuing to target those involved in terrorizing innocent civilians. As Turji remains on the run, authorities are working tirelessly to eliminate the threat he poses to the safety and security of the people in the region.
