By Muhammad Mamman
Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji is said to be in panic mode and on the run, frequently relocating to evade sustained military operations, the Nigerian military has disclosed.
According to senior security sources, intensified offensives by troops across parts of the North-West have significantly disrupted Turji’s movements, forcing him to abandon known hideouts and constantly shift locations to avoid being tracked and neutralised.
The military said the pressure mounted on Turji and his network has weakened their operational capacity, with several of his fighters either fleeing, surrendering, or being eliminated during recent operations. Intelligence-led raids, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground assaults have reportedly narrowed the space in which the bandit leader can operate.
A military spokesman noted that Turji’s frequent movement is a clear indication that security forces are gaining the upper hand. “He is no longer comfortable in any location. The sustained operations have put him under immense pressure, and his options are rapidly shrinking,” the source said.
Residents in affected communities have also reported a noticeable reduction in coordinated attacks linked to Turji’s faction, a development the military attributes to the disruption of his command structure and supply routes.
The armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the momentum of ongoing operations until all criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region are decisively dealt with. The military urged the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Authorities insist that the current phase of operations is aimed at permanently dismantling bandit networks and restoring lasting peace to communities long plagued by violent criminal activity.
