The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has surrendered, emphasizing that he remains at large and continues to be pursued by security forces.
The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and media reports claiming that Turji had handed over weapons and released 32 kidnapped victims under a supposed peace agreement facilitated by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.
Bello Turji is a well-known criminal figure whose operations primarily span Zamfara and Sokoto states. He has been linked to multiple violent attacks on communities across Nigeria’s North-West, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and mass killings. Despite recent media narratives suggesting his surrender, the DHQ insists that these reports are unverified and misleading.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, clarified the situation.
He said, “You asked whether bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered, and if an Islamic cleric facilitated the negotiation. To be clear, Bello Turji has not surrendered. Our security forces remain actively on his trail, pursuing all leads.”
Maj. Gen. Kangye also addressed allegations recently made by Amnesty International, which accused Nigerian troops of carrying out extrajudicial killings during operations in the Southeast.
He dismissed these claims as unsubstantiated, stating, “What do you mean by extrajudicial killings? Are soldiers going onto the streets and randomly shooting people? The military is not engaged in any extrajudicial killings in the Southeast. Reports by Amnesty International must be carefully verified, as misinformation can easily spread in today’s digital age. Everyone with a phone can instantly broadcast information globally, but that does not make it accurate.”
In addition to the security and operational matters, Maj. Gen. Kangye addressed recent protests by a small group of retired military personnel. He explained that only a few individuals were involved and that the concerns had been formally addressed by relevant authorities.
“Last week, the issue was resolved through a meeting convened by the Military Pensions Board, alongside the Chief of Accounts and Budget at the Defence Headquarters and the Minister of Finance. Some individuals tried to speak on behalf of all retired personnel, but the matter has been properly addressed through official channels,” he said.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, provided further insight, stating that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had met on Tuesday with a five-member standing committee constituted by the Ministry of Defence to address welfare concerns of military veterans.
The committee, chaired by a retired Air Commodore, is tasked with developing strategies to improve the support and welfare services available to retired personnel. Brig. Gen.
Gusau said, “The CDS met with the committee yesterday, and modalities for addressing the welfare needs of our veterans have been worked out. The military remains committed to ensuring that the well-being of its retired personnel is adequately attended to.”
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to pursuing criminals like Bello Turji while maintaining strict adherence to the rule of law and ensuring that security operations are conducted responsibly. It also reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of retired military personnel, promising that all grievances will be addressed through proper institutional channels.