The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji has expressed willingness to surrender following a string of devastating military operations that dismantled his network.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, General Musa stated that Turji, whose reign of terror has plagued parts of Nigeria, is now signaling his readiness to lay down arms after the military neutralized his second-in-command and key lieutenants.
“They (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. But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants,” Musa said.
The Defence Chief added that Turji has been forced to release many of his remaining followers, signaling a weakening of his once-formidable grip.
“I am telling you that recently he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything; he is ready to surrender,” General Musa disclosed.
Despite Turji’s purported willingness to surrender, Musa maintained a firm stance against sparing anyone responsible for the bloodshed of innocent Nigerians.
“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay,” the CDS emphasized.
Military Onslaught on Turji’s Camp
This revelation follows intensified military operations against Turji and his network. On Wednesday, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, along with several of his top commanders and allies.
According to Defence Director Edward Buba, key figures eliminated in the operations include Dosso (Turji’s younger brother), Danbokolo (a close ally), and other commanders such as Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, and Kabiru Gebe.
Additionally, over 24 fleeing terrorists from Turji’s camp were neutralized across locations in Sokoto and Zamfara states, including Gebe, Isa, and Gidan Rijiya areas.
The military’s intensified campaign has dealt a crippling blow to Turji’s operations, forcing him into a position of retreat. However, security forces remain resolute in their mission to neutralize threats to national stability.