Notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has reportedly expressed a willingness to surrender, according to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. This potential surrender comes after intensified military operations targeting Turji’s network over the past months, which have significantly weakened his position and disrupted his operations.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, General Musa provided an in-depth analysis of the current security landscape and the efforts undertaken by the military to combat terrorism. He revealed that the military’s sustained pressure on Turji and his group has forced the notorious leader to consider laying down his arms. General Musa stated that these operations have successfully eliminated Turji’s second-in-command and a number of key lieutenants, severely crippling the organizational structure of his network.
The relentless campaign against Turji’s faction has also led to the release of several hostages who had been held captive for months. “Our troops have recorded commendable progress in dismantling Turji’s group,” General Musa said. “We have taken out his second-in-command and many of his lieutenants, leaving him isolated and without his usual support system.”
Despite these successes, General Musa acknowledged that the military has encountered significant challenges in tracking Turji’s movements. “The terrorists are embedded within local communities, making it difficult to pinpoint their exact locations. By the time we receive intelligence, it’s often too late as he has already moved,” Musa explained. This unpredictability has been a major obstacle in capturing Turji directly.
However, the military’s efforts have clearly borne fruit, as Turji is reportedly considering surrendering to avoid further losses and to potentially secure leniency. General Musa welcomed the possibility of Turji’s surrender, emphasizing that it reflects the effectiveness of ongoing operations and the weakening grip of terrorism in the region.
Nevertheless, General Musa underscored the need for accountability, stressing that individuals responsible for heinous crimes and acts of violence must be held responsible for their actions. “Surrender is an option for those willing to lay down arms, but justice must prevail. Those who have caused the loss of innocent lives must face the consequences,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff concluded by reiterating the military’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in the region. He encouraged communities to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information, which would aid in neutralizing threats more effectively.