Terrorist kingpin Bello Turji is reportedly scrambling for an escape route as Nigerian military forces intensify their crackdown on bandit strongholds in Zamfara State, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
According to the Defence chief, the military operation to get Turji has already resulted in the elimination of two of Turji’s top commanders, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, in a decisive strike on Thursday night.
Their deaths, Musa said, has sent shockwaves through Turji’s ranks, reportedly forcing the notorious warlord and his accomplices into a desperate bid for survival.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Friday, Musa confirmed that security forces had launched fresh offensives in Tufan and Mashima villages, further dismantling armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forests.
“In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji,” he stated. “The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region.”
Musa revealed that both Turji and his associate, Sani Black, are now frantically seeking escape routes as the military maintains relentless pressure.
The CDS emphasized that the ongoing operations are a clear message to all criminal factions across the country—the era of impunity is over.
“For years, bandits, terrorists, and criminals have exploited the difficult terrain within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and launching deadly raids on communities,” he said. “However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be turning. Ground troops are advancing, and precision airstrikes are dismantling these terror networks.”
Musa assured Nigerians that special forces from land, air, and maritime units are working in tandem to ensure nationwide security.
As the fight against terrorism continues, Musa charged military commanders to remain steadfast, emphasizing the enormity of their task.
“Our forces will sustain this momentum until all terrorist factions are neutralized,” he vowed.