Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has declared that Bello Turji, notorious bandit leader is currently “in panic and confusion” as intensified military operations close in on him and other armed group leaders across the North-West.
The revelation came during a briefing with Defence Correspondents touring the theatre of operations, where Idris highlighted that Turji, long elusive and feared has been placed under sustained pressure through coordinated ground offensives, human intelligence, and technology-driven surveillance.
“Based on the most current intelligence received, Bello Turji and others are currently in confusion and panic because of the intensity of our current operations. They are relocating every few hours, every few days,” Idris said.
The theatre commander also addressed persistent claims that Turji controls certain local government areas or villages.
Idris dismissed these assertions as propaganda spread by terrorists attempting to mislead the public and project strength.
“How does a person who does not have a permanent location control an axis or a local government? I dare Bello Turji to come out and present a single local government that he is controlling,” he challenged.
He further stated that Turji and other notorious bandit leaders, Gwaska, Ado Aleru, and Dogo Gide are being actively pursued across the entire theatre of operations.
“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West region,” Idris said, stressing that leaders of armed groups are being tracked through all available intelligence platforms.
Idris also responded to recent reports suggesting that the Katsina State government planned to release 70 detained bandits, describing the claims as unverified and false.
“We have not received any circular, letter, or formal information regarding the release of 70 terrorists.
“What we are hearing are rumours, and we consider them fake news,” he said.
He warned against the spread of misinformation, noting that false reports, often amplified by artificial intelligence-generated content are becoming increasingly common.
The theatre commander disclosed that the military has strengthened intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries, including Niger and the Benin Republic, to curb cross-border movements of armed groups such as the Lakurawa terrorists.
He revealed that several Lakurawa fighters were killed last month during operations around the Kamba general area, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.
Assuring the public of continued operations, Idris said the military would maintain pressure on banditry and terrorism in the region, adding that operational challenges are communicated through official military channels rather than being publicly disclosed.
“We are ready to work, get more work and look for more work,” he stated, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would yield results.
Bello Turji has been linked to mass killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, village raids, and arson across rural communities.
The region experienced a fresh wave of fear last Friday when Turji issued threats against settlements around Tidibali in Sokoto State, prompting an exodus of residents.
However, following military intervention, those who fled have since returned.
