In a recent interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Lawal expressed his unshaken confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasizing their readiness and commitment to ending the menace of banditry in the state. He directly addressed the growing concerns surrounding the criminal activities of Turji, a bandit kingpin whose group has been responsible for countless kidnappings, killings, and attacks across Zamfara and its neighboring states.
“I believe Bello Turji is a matter of time, his days are numbered,” Lawal said. “I can see the commitment from the Armed Forces in terms of taking Bello Turji out. In fact, that same axis where the incident took place is actually the axis of Bello Turji. I am confident, I am optimistic, and I believe the Nigerian Armed Forces this time around are ready to take him out.”
Governor Lawal’s comments came in the wake of an intensified military operation targeting key bandit leaders in the region. The military has been stepping up its efforts to neutralize bandit factions, with several airstrikes and ground assaults launched in recent months.
Tackling the Turji Threat
Bello Turji, whose name has become synonymous with violent banditry in northern Nigeria, has been a thorn in the side of both local governments and the federal authorities. Operating mainly in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto and Kebbi, Turji’s group has executed numerous attacks on rural communities, often kidnapping and demanding ransoms, and sometimes even wiping out entire villages.
The Nigerian government has faced mounting criticism for its inability to curb the escalating insecurity in these states. However, Governor Lawal, who assumed office in May 2023, is taking a more proactive stance. His administration has worked closely with federal security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, to target and neutralize these criminal networks.
In the interview, Lawal was unequivocal about his belief that the military would succeed in their mission. “I have full confidence in the Nigerian military. The situation is difficult, but we must remember that they have been successful in other areas. It’s only a matter of time before they bring down these terrorists,” he said, referring specifically to Turji’s stronghold in the Maradun Local Government Area.
Collateral Damage in Recent Military Airstrike
However, Lawal’s remarks were not limited to just banditry and the hunt for Turji. The governor also took time to address the controversy surrounding a recent military airstrike that led to civilian casualties in the Tungar Kara area of Maradun.
On October 10, 2023, an airstrike aimed at neutralizing a group of bandits inadvertently caused the deaths of over 16 civilians, including community members who had gone to assist others under attack. While the military initially faced backlash over the incident, Lawal has defended the operation, describing it as a tragic but unintentional event.
“Let me say this, I have full information on what happened that fateful day. We made a distress call to the air force because bandits were attacking communities, and they quickly responded, neutralizing many of the bandits,” Lawal explained. “However, during a follow-up operation, some civilians, including community protection groups (CPGs) who had rushed to help those under attack, were mistakenly hit by the airstrike.”
Lawal emphasized that the tragic deaths were a case of “collateral damage,” which, he noted, can sometimes occur during military operations. “It was not intentional. These are things that happen in such situations. We have learned from it, and we have put measures in place to ensure better coordination going forward.”
Despite the loss, Lawal expressed his condolences and revealed that a high-level delegation, led by his deputy, had been sent to the affected community to assess the situation and console the grieving families. The delegation also clarified that the airstrike had not been meant to target civilians, and the community leaders had acknowledged this explanation.
Military Investigates Airstrike Incident
The Nigerian Air Force has since launched its own investigation into the incident, and a fact-finding team has been deployed to provide clarity on the sequence of events. The investigation is also aimed at improving operational strategies to prevent any future civilian casualties.
“The Nigerian Air Force takes such incidents seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that such errors are minimized,” a statement from the Air Force read.
Governor Lawal, while saddened by the civilian deaths, remains steadfast in his belief that the military must continue its operations to rid Zamfara of bandits. “We cannot afford to let this stop the fight against these criminals. The people of Zamfara are suffering, and it is our duty to protect them,” he asserted.
Zamfara’s Battle Against Banditry
Zamfara, which has long been one of the epicenters of bandit violence in Nigeria, has seen a dramatic uptick in military activity in recent months. Both air and ground forces have been utilized in targeted operations aimed at dismantling bandit groups, many of whom are said to be heavily armed and entrenched in the state’s rugged forests and mountains.
In addition to military operations, Governor Lawal’s administration is also exploring more community-driven approaches to tackle banditry. The government has been engaging local vigilante groups and community leaders to provide intelligence and create safer environments for the people.
