Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released all individuals held captive by his group.
Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, made this announcement on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
This information came to light following increased military operations aimed at capturing the fugitive and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions.
It was discovered that Turji’s decision to “free the captives is linked to the intense pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.”
Recent airstrikes and ground offensives targeting his hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and nearby areas have significantly weakened his group, leading to their retreat.
Makama stated, “The release of the captives is being seen as a strategic move by Turji to avoid further escalation or a direct confrontation with security forces who have been closing in on him.
“The troops have vowed to get him whether dead or Alive.”