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Tag: Bello Turji

  • APC Zamfara denies Bello Turji’s alleged membership

    APC Zamfara denies Bello Turji’s alleged membership

    The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday disassociated itself from claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji had registered as a party member, describing the circulated membership slip as forged.

    Social media platforms have been awash with images of a supposed APC membership card bearing Turji’s details over the past 48 hours, suggesting he had joined the ruling party.

    In a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, said the fake slip was a deliberate attempt by mischievous actors to tarnish the party’s image and undermine its ongoing electronic membership registration exercise across the state.

    Gusau noted that the card displayed clear signs of forgery, including the use of a widely recognized photograph of the criminal known to security agencies and the public.

    He further explained that no individual can be validly registered without a National Identification Number (NIN), a requirement Turji is unlikely to meet, rendering the purported membership slip invalid and exposing the efforts of those attempting to discredit the party.

    According to Gusau, “The forgers forgot that before any person is enrolled by NIMC, he must fill a form that will contain his full information before he is captured, how then NIMC could capture him with a military uniform and gun on his shoulders, or are they blind or had forgotten that such features are not acceptable.

    Read Also: Bello Turji in panic, disarray amidst intensified onslaught -Military

    “Also, from our records of today’s (Tuesday) registration from Kware ward, we did not have the ID number with the initial ID code ’26’, which is for Niger state, but forged for a Zamfara membership card, talkless of the name.”

    The party said its preliminary investigation has already linked the mischievous card to a disgruntled member (names withheld), who was recently suspended from participating in the ongoing e-registration programme due to his dubious attitude.

    “The APC e-registration coordinator in Zamfara State and indeed the state’s chapter of the party wish to completely debunk and distance themselves from the fake membership card with registration number: ID: APC 261113000102. The code used is for Niger state, which starts with 26, while Zamfara State ID code starts with 36, which clearly shows their ignorance of the registration.”

    Calling on the public to disregard the slip, the party said it has reported the forgery case to the security agencies for investigation and prosecution of the sponsors of the fake membership slip.

  • Bello Turji in panic, disarray amidst intensified onslaught -Military

    Bello Turji in panic, disarray amidst intensified onslaught -Military

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Fansan Yamma, a military offensive in the North West, Major General Warrah Idris, has said that bandit leader Bello Turji is in panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and his fighters. 

    He said this while responding to questions from Defence Correspondents who were on tour to the Command Headquarters in Zamfara.

    Turji has been linked to mass killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, village raids and arson across rural communities.

    General Idris noted that Turji has remained elusive but is now under sustained pressure from coordinated ground operations, human intelligence and technology-driven surveillance.

    He said: “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.”

    Idris dismissed claims that Turji controls local government areas or villages in the North East, describing such assertions as propaganda by terrorists who constantly flee from military forces.

    He said: “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.” 

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    He added that Turji and other notorious bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru and Dogo Gide, are being actively pursued across the theatre of operations.

    “All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West region,” Idris said, stressing that leaders of armed groups are being tracked through all available intelligence platforms.

    The theatre commander also clarified reports about the alleged planned release of 70 bandits, saying there was no official information or directive confirming such claims.

    “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.

    Idris warned against the spread of unverified reports, noting that misinformation, including the use of artificial intelligence-generated content, was becoming rampant.

    On regional security cooperation, he said the military has strengthened intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries, including Niger and Benin Republic, to curb cross-border movements of armed groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists.

    He revealed that several Lakurawa fighters were killed last month during operations around the Kamba general area, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.

    Idris assured that the military would continue sustained operations against banditry and terrorism, adding that operational challenges are communicated through appropriate military channels rather than disclosed publicly.

    “We are ready to work, get more work and look for more work,” he said, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would yield results.”

  • Troops kill Bello Turji’s ally Kallamu in Sokoto

    Troops kill Bello Turji’s ally Kallamu in Sokoto

    Troops of 8 Division of Nigerian Army have killed a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

    A source from the security operatives made this known to the major operational success to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said Kallamu, a close associate and senior lieutenant of the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, was killed by the Army, in collaboration with local vigilantes in the area.

    The source confirmed that Kallamu was killed alongside one of the Turji’s major logistics suppliers in the early hours of Monday, around Karawa village, during the major offensive operation by gallant troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army.

    Kallamu hailed from Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, known to be operating within the area causing significant distress to local communities in the state.

    It was gathered that Kallamu had recently returned to the area after fleeing a previous military onslaught in June, this year, during which he was believed to have sought refuge in Kogi.

    NAN recalls that the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman and other citizens had commended the Army for the significant success recorded against banditry in the state.

    Usman said the troops had killed several bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area who attempted to ambush traders travelling from Tarah village to the weekly market.

    ”The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident and once again reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people.

    ”The state government deeply appreciates this effort and acknowledges the consistent sacrifices being made by our security forces,” Usman said.

    NAN further reports that the Nigerian Army had neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered their weapons in Tarah and Karawa communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

    According to the residents, soldiers stationed in Kurawa near Kwanan Kimbo had engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for hours on Monday.

    A source from the community, who pleaded for anonymity, told NAN on Tuesday that the soldiers ambushed the terrorists and later followed them to their enclave.

    “The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.

    “We counted nine bodies of the terrorists in our area, and another four were found in the nearby bush along the stream.

    ”Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them to Karawa,” the source said.

    A reliable source from the army had earlier confirmed the encounter and told NAN that it was a fierce gun battle by the gallant troops where they neutralised several terrorists.

    The source said there was no casualty on the side of the army, adding that eight AK-47 rifles and large amounts of ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

    The source, though not authorised to speak on the matter, however, said the terrorists suffered heavy defeat and the operation was conducted by the Operation Fansan Yamma.

    The source confirmed that bandits had also attacked the Gatawa community, faced by vigilance group members and a team of military men engaged with them and overpowered the terrorists.

    Some residents of Karawa and neighbouring villages celebrated the military’s successes and appealed for the continuation of the operation to salvage the communities from all forms of attacks.

    Also, the member representing Sabon Birni Local Government in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been seen.

    Boza said more searches were ongoing.

    NAN further recalls that Gatawa village and some nearby communities of Sabon Birni Local Government Area had suffered attacks from bandits.

  • DHQ denies Bello Turji’s reported surrender, says manhunt ongoing

    DHQ denies Bello Turji’s reported surrender, says manhunt ongoing

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered, insisting he remains at large and is still being actively pursued by security forces.

    Turji, a feared kingpin operating mainly in Zamfara and Sokoto states, is accused of masterminding numerous attacks on communities in the North-West.

    Recent reports suggested that he had surrendered some weapons and released 32 kidnap victims under a peace deal allegedly brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.

    However, speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, dismissed the reports as lacking credibility and thorough verification.

    He said, “Well, you asked if it is true that bandit leader Bello Triji has surrendered, and that an Islamic cleric took ownership of the negotiation that led to his surrender. If I get you right. Simple answer, Bello Turji has not surrendered, we are hot on his trail.”

    Kangye also dismissed recent allegations by Amnesty International that troops conducting operations in Southeast engaged in extrajudicial killings, describing them as unfounded.

    He said “What do you mean by extrajudicial killing? Is it that soldiers carry their weapons, go to the street and start shooting people? You know what Amnesty International is doing. You know what they used to publish.

    “Like I always tell you, everybody with a phone in his hand is a potential source of information to the whole world.

    “But I can tell you that the military is not engaged in any extrajudicial killing in the southeast.”

    On the recent protests by some retired military personnel, Kangye explained that only a few individuals were involved in the demonstrations, but the matter was addressed last week by the Military Pensions Board alongside the Chief of Accounts and Budget at the Defence Headquarters and the Minister of Finance, during a meeting with the aggrieved veterans.

    He said, “This issue was addressed by the military pensions board last week. I remember when the chief of account and budget in the defence headquarters went for the meeting with him and those aggrieved retired personnel.

    “You see, one issue to understand is that when two or three jumped up and used the mouths of others to propagate or send out messages, it can be said that the retired personnel of the armed forces did this. 

    “So the few that came out, the chairman of the military pensions board and the chief of account and budget of the defence headquarters and also the minister of finance also, there were members that went to talk and speak with them and I think they were sure that that issue had been addressed.”

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    The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defence Staff met on Tuesday with a five-man standing committee set up by the Ministry of Defence to address veterans’ welfare concerns.

    The committee, he said, is working on modalities to improve support for military veterans.

    Gusau said, “I want to inform you that just yesterday the CDS had a meeting with a five-man standing committee which was constituted by the ministry of defence to address this issue. It has been headed by a retired Air Commodore.

    “They were here yesterday afternoon. They had a meeting with CDS and modernities have been worked out on how to address the welfare needs of our veterans.”

  • Bello Turji ‘frees 32 hostages, surrenders arms’ in peace deal

    Bello Turji ‘frees 32 hostages, surrenders arms’ in peace deal

    • Army, Police: we are not aware of the development

    The notorious terror kingpin in the Northwest, Bello Turji, has reportedly released 32 kidnapped victims and surrendered some of his weapons.

    Musa Yusuf, an Islamic cleric popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah, reportedly broke the news during a religious event in Kaduna.

    Yusuf said on Monday that the gesture followed peace talks last month with Turji and other armed fighters in Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    He said the dialogue was initiated by residents of Shinkafi who appealed to clerics to intervene and persuade Turji to halt attacks and allow farmers access to their lands.

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    Yusuf said: “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true..

    “These individuals are responsible for the insecurity in the area, and they agreed to the peace proposals. We agreed that the Fulani must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”

    According to Yusuf, the terror kingpins surrendered some weapons in three stages and have allowed residents to resume farming in areas previously occupied by fighters.

    He added that Turji also freed 32 kidnapped persons as part of the deal and played a video showing the rough terrain the victims crossed on their way out of captivity.

    Yusuf said engagements are ongoing with Turji and his group to secure a total end to hostilities, noting that the clerics have been cautious not to demand a complete disarmament.

    He explained that doing so could leave Turji exposed to rival factions who are not part of the deal.

     The state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, however, denied knowledge of the deal

    Also, the army spokesperson, Onyinyechi Anele, said the military had yet to be briefed.

  • Bello Turji’s camp in disarray after troops kill deputy, brother

    Bello Turji’s camp in disarray after troops kill deputy, brother

    Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have neutralised the second-in-command of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s, Aminu Kanawa.

    The troops also inflicted injuries on some of Turji’s closest allies, who include his younger brother, Dosso and Danbokolo, an associate.

    The Army Director Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the troops neutralised several key commanders of Bello Turji. They included Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna, and Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe.

    In all, Gen. Buba further said, the troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s camp around Gebe and Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    The troops also neutralised another notable terrorists’ kingpin identified as Suleiman a loyalist of late notorious terrorist leader, Halilu Sububu, during the encounter with Turji’s enclaves around Fakai high ground.

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    Gen. Buba said the late Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp when he was hit during the fire-fight.

    The Army described the death of Turji’s men as a big blow to the terrorist network in the Northwest. 

    Gen. Buba reiterated the commitment of the troops in eliminating terrorists and that they would not relent on their efforts until they achieved their mission.

    “The troops’ operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security  for all citizens, Gen. Buba said.

  • Bello Turji’s son, others killed

    Bello Turji’s son, others killed

    Zamfara terror kingpin, Bello Turji, yesterday suffered a heavy blow following the reportedly killing of his son and many of his foot soldiers by military special forces.

    News of his son’s and loyalists’ deaths circulated on Arewa community on X leaving most of the posters excited.

    Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who broke the news on his verified X account on Saturday night, adding that the terrorist kingpin was on the run.

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    Sources, who confirmed the development to our reporter last night said the troops comprising Nigerian Navy Special Boats Services (SBS) elements and the Nigerian Army Special Forces have been combing Fakai forests and other hideouts in Shinkafi to flush bandits’ remnants and rescue hostages.

    Turji’s reign of terror in Zamfara and other Northwestern states has continued since he parted ways with his former boss Halilu Sububu, who was killed by troops last September.

    Turji’s gang not only rustled cattle and kidnapped locals for ransom but also raped vulnerable women and killed men who attempted to protect their dignity.

  • Joint air-ground assaults eliminate Bello Turji’s fighters, commanders in Zamfara 

    Joint air-ground assaults eliminate Bello Turji’s fighters, commanders in Zamfara 

    Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has suffered a significant blow as a result of joint air-ground assaults by the military, which eliminated several of his fighters and top commanders in Zamfara State.

    This development is a major setback for Turji, who has been wreaking havoc in North-western Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states. 

    The operation, which combined aerial bombardment with ground troops, targeted Turji’s enclaves at Fakai Hills, killing several bandits and left many others gravely wounded, spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said in a statement on Sunday, January 12.

    He said the operation, conducted on January 10, was part of ongoing efforts by the military to combat banditry and terrorism in the North West region.

    Turji, who had been declared wanted by the military, has been involved in various criminal activities, including kidnappings, arson, and attacks on communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states. 

    The military’s actions was aimed at disrupting and dismantling his network, bringing relief to affected areas and enhancing security in the North West region.

    But, “sequel to the fierce engagement, Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network,” AVM Akinboyewa said.

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    According to NAF’s spokesman, the operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation. 

    He said: “The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy. 

    “The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops. The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets.

    “…In a heartening outcome, several kidnap victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.” 

  • DHQ declares bandit leader Bello Turji ‘a dead man walking’

    DHQ declares bandit leader Bello Turji ‘a dead man walking’

    The notorious bandit and terrorist leader, Bello Turji, is a dead man walking, the military high command   declared yesterday.

    Turji is a notorious terrorist  operating in the  Northwest, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this while briefing reporters on the outgone year’s  operations of the military  in Abuja.

    According to him,  10,937 terrorists were killed by troops, over 1000 of their commanders,  leaders surrendered.  Also, 7,063 kidnap victims were rescued.

    The troops also arrested 12,538 criminals , while 16,171 terrorists and their families surrendered..

    Maj-Gen Buba said it was important to realise that the terrorists exist for the sake of war and must be destroyed for the sake of peace.

    He said the troops had sustained pressure on the terrorist enclaves, hideouts, and strongholds as an incentive to speedily defeat the terrorists and hastily end the war.

    “During the course of the year, troops eliminated thousands of terrorists and also their commanders and combatants among others.

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    “We are also sure that similar fate awaits those parading themselves as terror leaders and commanders today.

    “Take it from me, he is merely a dead man walking, as he will soon follow suit with many others that have been eliminated during the course of the year.

    “To refresh your memory, I will reveal out some of the names of notable terrorist leaders that we have taken out since January this year.

    “These include: Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Abubakar Musa, Adamu Tanko Ibrahim, Yellow Dogon Rakumi, Isiya Boderi and Alhaji Baldu.

    “Others are: Usman Modi Modi, Kachalla Halilu, Kachalla Tukur, Amir Ibrahim Bukar, Saidu Hassan Yellow, Buba Kachalla Bukar, Bakura Jega, Abba Tukur amongst others,’’ he said.

    Buba said the military would not hesitate to defend the country from terror attacks with overwhelming military force to continue to deliver tangible benefits for all Nigerians.

    He said that several terrorist leaders, combatants and the families also surrendered as a result of the intensity of troops operations.

    Maj-Gen Buba said troops recovered 8,815 weapons, 228,004 ammunitions trook terrorists and other non-state actors in the past year.

    The weapons seized, according to the Defence spokesman, were 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 dane guns, 259 pump action guns, and 2,131 assorted arms.

    He said the ammunition recovered included 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5,103 cartridges, and 29,176 assorted ammunitions.

    Giving an update on the feats recorded in the Niger Delta , Gen. Buba said troops recovered 56,223,002 litres of stolen crude, 9,735,836 litres of illegally refined diesel, 95,595 litres of Kerosene and 156,527 litres of petrol which worth an estimated sum over N68 billion.

    He said: “Many of what was witnessed in the outgoing year, are indicative of a major defeat of the terrorist .

    “Importantly, troops in the battlefield are in high spirits, fully committed, devoted and believe in the just of the cause.

    “Troops will be going the extra mile in the new year to get the job done. Troops are focussed on increasingly delivering tangible benefits of their operations for the benefits of citizens.

    “Additionally troops seek to continue to heighten collaboration with neighbouring countries and regional bodies in order to tackle the menace of terrorism.”

  • Bello Turji’s female ammunition courier nabbed in Zamfara

    Bello Turji’s female ammunition courier nabbed in Zamfara

    The troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have apprehended a 25-year-old suspected female ammunition courier, Shamsiyya Ahadu.

    This is contained in a statement in Gusau by the Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre of the operation, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi.

    According to the statement, Ahadu was arrested on 28 December alongside her accomplice, a motorcyclist, Ahmed Husaini in Badarawa area of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state

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    According to the statement, Ahadu was arrested on 28 December alongside her accomplice, a motorcyclist, Ahmed Husaini in Badarawa area of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.

    She was found in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 6 magazines meant to be delivered to terrorist kingpin Turji’s camp.

    “Her arrest followed an intelligence report regarding the movement of the terrorists’ logistics along the road from Kware to Badarawa communities in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “In response to the development, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma promptly established a roadblock leading to the apprehension of the suspects.

    “Both suspects are undergoing investigation by appropriate authorities,” the statement added.

    It reiterated the commitment of the troops to dismantling all terrorist networks as well as  prevent illegal movement  of arms and ammunition within its theatre of operation.