- Turji, who is notorious for his operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states, has been accused of masterminding multiple deadly raids in the north-west.
- The bandit kingpin is also said to run a brutal tax system in certain villages, barring defaulters from farming or rearing animals.
The defence headquarters has refuted widespread reports that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has laid down his arms.
Markus Kangye, the director of defence media operations, clarified the situation on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent military activities.
Responding to questions, Kangye stated: “Simple answer to the question about terrorist leader, Bello Turji… Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the look out for him.”
Turji is widely known for orchestrating violent raids on rural communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, where he is said to maintain strong operational bases.
Military intelligence links him to a harsh tax system in some settlements, under which those who refuse to pay are barred from farming or keeping livestock.
In recent days, reports emerged suggesting that Turji had handed over weapons and released 32 abducted persons after a peace initiative championed by Islamic clerics in Zamfara.
According to those accounts, members of his gang allegedly surrendered weapons in three separate batches and granted farmers access to lands previously under their control.
Kangye, however, made it clear that the armed forces have not received any formal surrender from Turji and are continuing efforts to apprehend him.
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