The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, on Wednesday, stated that bandit leader Bello Turji is currently in a state of panic and confusion as intensified military operations tightened the noose around him and other armed group leaders in the region.
Idris made the remarks while addressing Defence Correspondents on a tour of the theatre in Zamfara State.
He explained that although Turji has remained elusive, he was now under sustained pressure due to coordinated ground operations, intelligence gathering, and technology-driven surveillance.
“Based on the most current intelligence received, Bello Turji and others are currently in confusion and panic because of the intensity of our current operations. They are relocating after every few hours, every few days,” he said.
The JTF commander dismissed claims that Turji wields control over any local government area or villages, calling such reports propaganda by terrorists who constantly evade military forces.
“How does a person who does not have a permanent location control an axis or a local government?
“I dare Bello Turji to come out and present a single local government that he is controlling,” he added.
Idris further noted that Turji, along with other notorious bandit leaders including Gwaska, Ado Aleru, and Dogo Gide, is being actively tracked across the operational theatre.
“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West region,” Idris stated, stressing that armed group leaders are being monitored through all available intelligence platforms.
On the issue of reports regarding the alleged release of 70 bandits, the theatre commander clarified that there is no official directive or confirmation.
“We have not received any circular, letter or formal information regarding the release of 70 terrorists. What we are hearing are rumours, and we consider them fake news,” he said, urging caution against spreading unverified information.
Idris also warned about the rise of misinformation, including content generated by artificial intelligence, noting it is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Regarding regional security collaboration, he highlighted that the military has enhanced intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries, including Niger and Benin, to curb cross-border movements of armed groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists.
He revealed that several Lakurawa fighters were neutralized last month during operations around the Kamba general area, with weapons and motorcycles seized.
Idris assured that the military will continue its sustained operations against banditry and terrorism, adding that operational challenges are communicated through appropriate military channels rather than publicly disclosed.
“We are ready to work, get more work and look for more work,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would produce results.
Bello Turji is recognized by security agencies as one of the most violent and influential leaders of armed bandit groups in the North-West, linked to mass killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, village raids, and arson across rural communities.
Following Turji’s threats against settlements around Tidibali in Sokoto State last Friday, an exodus of residents occurred. However, after military intervention, those who had fled have since returned to their homes.
