Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Bello Turji Says He’s Ready To Surrender To Nigerian Army – CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa has revealed that a notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara, Bello Turji is showing signs of readiness to surrender.

During an interview on “Politics Today” aired on Channels Television, Musa explained that recent military operations targeting Turji’s group have severely weakened his influence.

According to him, these operations resulted in the deaths of Turji’s second-in-command and several key lieutenants, leaving him with limited options.

Christopher Musa noted that this pressure has pushed Turji to consider giving up his criminal activities.

However, the CDS pointed out the challenges of tracking Turji and his group, given the vast terrain and their ability to move unpredictably.

He also highlighted that bandits often live within communities, making it harder to respond swiftly when information about their movements is received.

Musa added that people like Bello Turji, who have caused significant harm, should not be allowed to remain in society.

He said, “North-west is over 200,000 square kilometres. It’s a massive area with a large forest area. Once they go under the forest, it is difficult to track them.

“The terrorists are within the communities; the people know them. So, sometimes when they see them, before you get the information, it’s like two hours… the man has moved.

“So, when the information gets to you, before you move, he has left that area.

“But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants. In fact, he is forced now to release most of the people under him.

“I am telling you that recently he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything. He is ready to surrender.

“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay.”

The CDS also suggested that terrorists might be receiving financial support from foreign sources in addition to funds obtained through kidnappings, cattle rustling, and robbery.

He noted that some countries, envious of Nigeria’s progress, could be financing these groups to destabilize the nation.

Musa reminded Nigerians that some nations are unhappy with the country’s continued survival and growth.

“This is the one million dollar question: who are the people funding them?” the defence chief asked.

“Sometimes, they get funding from kidnappings, armed robbery and all these things that they do. But again, you cannot rule out… in the north-east, when we arrested some of them, they were having hard currencies to change. How did they get these monies?

“And again, look, people don’t understand that a lot of countries are envious of us as Nigeria. I remember some people said we were not going to survive beyond 2015. This is 2025 and we’re still surviving.

“So, people should understand that not everybody is happy with you that your state is still there and that you’re developing.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Bello Turji Kachalla previously claimed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was not ready to end banditry because some of its officials benefit from it.