The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to eliminating wanted bandit leader Bello Turji.
Speaking on Thursday in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, Oluyede stated that Turji remains on the run, but assured that the military is actively pursuing him.
“Bello Turji is on the run as we speak, and wherever he goes, we follow. Let him keep running—it is only a matter of time before he is eliminated,” he said while addressing journalists at the Headquarters of Operation Fasan Yamma.
The army chief highlighted recent successes in the fight against banditry, noting that several prominent bandit leaders, including Samaila, Boga, and Boderi, have been killed in recent months. He reiterated the troops’ determination to restore security in Zamfara and the wider North-West region.
“We are actively pursuing these criminals and remain committed to making the North-West safe,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by troops in the ongoing operations, Oluyede expressed confidence in their ability to overcome them. He also called on Nigerians to support the military by providing timely intelligence.
Earlier, Oluyede inspected the quarter guard under tight security before receiving an operational briefing from the Theatre Commander, Major General Oluyinka Soyele.
His visit, the first since his appointment on October 30, 2024, comes at a time when troops are intensifying efforts to combat banditry and other security threats in the region.
Operation Fasan Yamma remains a key part of the Nigerian Army’s strategy to restore peace and stability in the North-West, which has been plagued by rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping.
