DHQ denies reports of bandit leader Bello Turji’s surrender

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted circulating claims that Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders, has surrendered to the military.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed the issue while briefing journalists on recent military operations across the country.

Kangye clarified that there is no truth to the reports, stressing that the armed forces remain committed to ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry campaigns until criminal elements like Turji are decisively neutralised.

“Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader, Bello Turji… Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the look out for him,” Kangye said.

Turji, who operates largely in Zamfara and Sokoto states, has been linked to several deadly raids on communities in the north-west.

He also reportedly operates a strict, deadly tax regime in certain communities, with defaulters not allowed to till the land or rear livestock.

Recent reports suggested that the bandit leader had handed over his weapons and freed 32 abducted persons after a peace deal facilitated by Islamic clerics in Zamfara.

According to the report, Turji and his gang surrendered some weapons in three stages and have allowed residents to resume farming activities in areas previously occupied by fighters.