The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has confirmed that Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most notorious terrorist leaders, is currently on the run, thanks to the ongoing military offensives against terrorist groups in the country.
Badaru made this revelation during a Ministerial Briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, where he provided updates on the recent activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces. According to the minister, Turji’s escape follows the intensified operations by the military in various regions, especially in the Northeast, where the terrorist activities have been more rampant.
Badaru also disclosed that several high-ranking commanders of the terrorist groups had been killed in recent operations. Among those neutralized were Maza Barume Madaro, Kachalla Alhaji Dati, Bani Wala Burki, Kachalla Dogo Kwaden, and Chairman Hanazuma. Other key terrorists eliminated include Kachalla Bandiyo, Maiyara Madaci, Alhaji Karki, Kachalla Makore, Zakiru, and Okachalla Azarailu.
“These commanders are being taken down day by day, and the terrorists are now on the run,” Badaru said. He emphasized that the sustained offensive actions have dealt a significant blow to the leadership of these groups.
The Defence Minister pointed out that despite a brief surge of desperation from the terrorists, the military’s response has been swift and forceful. He assured Nigerians that the military was fully committed to addressing the country’s security challenges and had intensified intelligence efforts to prevent further threats.
Badaru further explained that Nigeria’s security issues stemmed from a complex mix of factors, including decades of social and political unrest, economic challenges, the influence of transnational borders, and global terrorism. These, he said, have contributed to the persistence of violent groups in the country. As such, the minister emphasized that tackling these threats requires more than just military action, but also a comprehensive approach involving social and economic development, improved governance, and regional cooperation.
“The challenges we face cannot be solved by military means alone. We need a multifaceted approach that combines military action with social and economic reforms, and effective governance,” Badaru added.
The Defence Minister also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s strong stance on national security, referencing his directive that “Enough is Enough” to all forms of insecurity. Badaru noted that this directive has pushed the military and other security agencies to collaborate more effectively, focusing on intelligence sharing and both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to defeat the insurgents.
Under Tinubu’s leadership, the Ministry of Defence has been working closely with other stakeholders, including regional and international partners, to improve security across the country.
As the military continues its operations, Badaru reassured Nigerians that the government remains determined to restore peace and stability to the country, ensuring that terrorism and banditry are permanently rooted out.
