The military high command has declared that the days of notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Bello Turji, are numbered.
This statement came less than 24 hours after Turji killed 12 farmers in Lugu town, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The military specifically refuted claims that operations against herdsmen, terrorists, cattle rustlers, and other criminals had been scaled back, emphasizing their ongoing focus on capturing Turji.
Turji, reportedly returning from a Sallah visit to a community in Isa, carried out the deadly attack.
During a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday, Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, reassured that the military was continuing its efforts to neutralize high-profile terrorists hiding in forests.
He addressed questions from journalists about whether military operations had been reduced, stating: “No. Troops intercepted trucks loaded with cows, recovered them, and are still on the hunt for high-value terrorists.”
Kangye also confirmed that several high-profile terrorists had been eliminated in recent operations, adding: “As for Bello Turji, it’s just a matter of time before an appointment is fixed with him by his maker.”
The briefing also touched on the withdrawal of Niger Republic from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), with Kangye warning of significant security implications. He stressed that the MNJTF remains a vital regional security collaboration, and efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.
“If any country withdraws, it creates a gap in our efforts and weakens the strength of the contingent from that country. Therefore, we must work to prevent such a situation,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the welfare of injured troops, Kangye denied allegations of neglecting soldiers wounded in action, reaffirming the military’s commitment to their well-being.
