The Nigerian defence authorities have clarified that the wanted terrorists’ commander Bello Turji has not been killed, disclosing the military troops’ manhunt on the terrorist is ongoing.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, DDMO, Major General Edward Buba had dismissed a report that Turji Bello was dead, saying, “it is fake news”. He described Turji as a fugitive.
However, in a statement by the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, “troops are actively pursuing the wanted terrorist Bello Turji, who remains at large, evading capture by moving from hideout to hideout”.
The Coordinator Joint Media Coordinator Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi who issued the statement on Tuesday, explained further, “We assure the public that our troops are working tirelessly to apprehend him as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities”.
Abdullahi speaks on the activities of the Troops of 1 Brigade of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services. He said they have intercepted a cache of arms in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted on 27 January 2025, was based on intelligence regarding suspected arms dealers operating from the Niger Republic.
“The troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, resulting in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road.
“The suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush but were forced to abandon it after being engaged by the troops.
“A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the following items: 2x PKT machine guns, 9 x AK-47 rifles, 13x magazines, 171 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 9x rounds of PKT ammunition”, he stated.
The troops extended military’s appreciation to the public’s concern regarding this matter and urged locals to continue their support and cooperation by reporting any information that may assist their efforts.
