Insecurity

Defence Minister Orders Military to Capture Bandit Leader Turji, Dead or Alive

The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has given a firm directive to the troops of Operation Fansar Yamma to apprehend the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, without delay. Abubakar issued the order on Thursday while addressing soldiers at the One Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The minister was in Zamfara to receive briefings on the ongoing military operations against banditry in the region, a scourge that has plagued the Northwest for years. He emphasized the urgency of bringing an end to the violence perpetrated by Turji and his gang.

“President Bola Tinubu has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the fight against terrorists in recent months,” Abubakar said. He acknowledged the military’s achievements but noted that significant challenges remain, as bandits continue to terrorize local communities.

In his address, the minister conveyed President Tinubu’s commitment to fully supporting the military in their mission, urging the soldiers to escalate their efforts. “The President has asked me to thank you for your service and encourage you to intensify your operations,” Abubakar said. “He is committed to providing all the resources necessary to eliminate insecurity, not just in the Northwest, but across Nigeria.”

With a call to action, Abubakar made his orders clear: “Are you ready to finish them off? Are you ready to end banditry in this country? Please get me Turji, dead or alive.”

The minister was accompanied by Major General Oluyinka Soyele, Commander of Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation Fansar Yamma, and Zamfara State’s Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni.