The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, assuring the public that he is under constant surveillance and will soon be neutralised.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, made the assertion on Monday during an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, saying that Turji is hiding but being tracked by the Military.
“First, I need to let you know that there is absolutely no forth and back between Bello Turji and the Armed Forces.
“As I speak, Bello Turji is hiding, completely in hiding, and the Armed Forces are tracking him. The Armed Forces continuously track him, and very soon, he will be eliminated,” Onumajuru stated.
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He urged Nigerians to remain patient, explaining that locating and neutralising bandit leaders takes time due to their movements.
However, he assured that Turji’s operations in the North-West would soon be halted as the military maintained its pursuit.
Onumajuru also addressed claims made by Sokoto State lawmaker, Aminu Almustapha Boza, that Turji is extorting residents of Sabon Birni Local Government Area by collecting levies.
He urged the affected communities to reject such demands, assuring them of military protection.
He further advised residents to resist any form of extortion by criminal elements, emphasizing that security forces are on the ground to safeguard them.
“Talking about Bello Turji imposing fines, remember I did talk about protecting vulnerable communities. Now, the communities need to believe that the Armed Forces are protecting them, and when they believe that, it’s a question of calling anybody that asks you for protection money or ransom money bluff because the Armed Forces is there to protect you.
“So, I want to ask the communities now through your medium, do not accede to request for protection levy in whatever form because we have troops who guarantee farms security, who open space to go about your normal activities,” he said.
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