In a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Zamfara State, the notorious terror leader Bello Turji has reportedly released all captives held in his hideouts and fled with his family following relentless military onslaughts.
According to a senior military officer, who spoke to The PUNCH under the condition of anonymity, the sustained pressure exerted by the Nigerian military in the North-West region has left Turji with no choice but to release his hostages and abandon his camps.
“It is true that Bello Turji has released all those he had kidnapped and is currently on the run,” the officer confirmed. “We, the military, are mounting serious pressure on Turji and other recalcitrant bandits in the region. By God’s grace, we will capture him soon—dead or alive.”
The officer emphasized that the ongoing military operations are part of a renewed strategy to dismantle the strongholds of banditry in Zamfara and neighboring states, with Turji being a prime target.
Muhammad Bello, an indigene of Shinkafi Local Government Area, where Turji’s hideouts were located, narrated the plight of some of the released abductees. According to Bello, several freed captives were seen along the Kaura-Namoda-Shinkafi road, weak, disoriented, and in desperate need of assistance.
“We have seen some of them on the road, trying to return to their respective towns and villages,” Bello said. “Many of them looked extremely tired and sick, and they were asking for help to get back home.”
This development highlights the harrowing conditions the abductees endured during their captivity and underscores the need for immediate humanitarian intervention to help them recover physically and emotionally.
Bello Turji has long been one of the most feared and elusive terror leaders in Zamfara State, notorious for orchestrating kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities. His apparent retreat marks a turning point in the efforts to rid the region of such threats, offering hope to communities that have suffered under his reign of terror.
The military’s relentless offensive has not only forced Turji to release his captives but has also destabilized his network, sending a strong message to other bandits in the region.
Despite this significant victory, challenges remain. Security experts have cautioned against complacency, noting that Turji’s escape may allow him to regroup and rebuild his operations if not swiftly apprehended. The military has assured Nigerians of its commitment to intensify operations until Turji and other bandit leaders are captured or neutralized.
As freed captives struggle to return to their communities, there is an urgent need for state and federal governments to provide medical care, psychological support, and transportation for the victims. Non-governmental organizations and local authorities must also step in to ensure these individuals are reintegrated into society and protected from further trauma.
The retreat of Bello Turji signals a glimmer of hope for Zamfara and the entire North-West region, which has been plagued by insecurity for years. With continued military efforts and strategic governance, this milestone could pave the way for sustainable peace and development in the region.
The question now remains: can this momentum be maintained to ensure the complete eradication of banditry in Zamfara and beyond? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 