Notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has reportedly expressed his readiness to surrender, following intense military operations that have decimated his ranks. The revelation was made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
General Musa disclosed that Turji’s ability to operate has been severely weakened by the military’s targeted strikes, which recently neutralised several key commanders in his network.
“He [Turji] is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything, and he is ready to surrender,” General Musa revealed. However, the Defence Chief insisted that justice must prevail, especially for those who have committed heinous crimes against innocent Nigerians.
The Nigerian Armed Forces, through Operation Fansan Yamma, have dealt significant blows to Turji’s group in recent weeks. On Wednesday, the Defence Directorate announced the neutralisation of Turji’s second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa.
According to a statement from Defence Director Edward Buba, the operation also led to the death of several key figures within Turji’s circle. These include Dosso, Turji’s younger brother, and Danbokolo, one of his closest allies. Others eliminated in the offensive include commanders such as Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, and Kabiru Gebe. Over 24 fleeing terrorists were also neutralised in areas across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
These strikes are part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace to communities affected by years of violence.
Bello Turji is infamous for orchestrating numerous attacks across the North-West region of Nigeria. His activities, often marked by banditry and violence, have displaced thousands, disrupted livelihoods, and instilled fear in local communities.
Reports indicate that Turji operated with impunity for years, relying on the support of a vast network of armed men. His ability to evade capture has been attributed to his deep integration within local communities. General Musa noted that, in some cases, residents are either coerced into silence or unable to relay timely information about his movements to security forces.
“They [terrorists] are within the communities; the people know them. But before we receive information, it’s sometimes too late as they have already moved,” General Musa explained.
Despite Turji’s reported willingness to surrender, the Nigerian military remains firm in its stance against granting clemency to those responsible for atrocities. General Musa emphasised that perpetrators of violence must face justice.
“Anybody who has killed should not be allowed to stay,” he declared. “People like him [Turji] must face the consequences of their actions.”
This position reflects the sentiments of many Nigerians who have endured years of suffering under the threat of terrorism and banditry. Calls for accountability have grown louder, with citizens urging the government to ensure that surrender does not equate to immunity from prosecution.
The apparent weakening of Turji’s network represents a potential turning point in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism in the North-West. Military experts believe that the surrender of a high-profile figure like Bello Turji could encourage other insurgents to abandon their operations.
However, sceptics caution against celebrating prematurely. They argue that surrender alone may not guarantee an end to violence, as splinter groups and other actors could rise to fill the void left by Turji and his associates.
“This is a critical moment,” a security analyst explained. “If managed properly, it could be the beginning of the end for Turji’s reign of terror. But the government must also address the underlying issues driving insecurity in these regions.”
Beyond military operations, the Nigerian government faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and addressing the socio-economic challenges that have fueled unrest in the North-West. Poverty, unemployment, and weak governance have created a breeding ground for criminal activities.
Efforts to strengthen local security frameworks, improve intelligence gathering, and foster collaboration between security forces and communities are seen as essential steps in the fight against terrorism.
For many Nigerians, the hope is that the reported surrender of Bello Turji marks the beginning of a new era—one where peace and stability can finally return to affected regions.
As the military continues its operations, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the unfolding developments. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this moment will be seized as an opportunity to dismantle the structures of terror permanently or if it will serve as yet another chapter in the long and painful history of insecurity in Nigeria.
