Notorious Bandit, Bello Turji Frees All Captives Amid Intensified Military Assault

Notorious bandit, Bello Turji, has freed all captives amid intensified military assault.

Newsone Nigeria reports that notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji has reportedly released all individuals held captive by his group.

A Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

The development comes amid heightened military operations aimed at capturing the fugitive and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions.

Makama said Turji’s decision to “free the captives is linked to the intense pressure mounted by the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.”

Recent airstrikes and ground offensives targeting his hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and surrounding areas have significantly weakened his group, forcing them into retreat.

The Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert added: “The release of the captives is being seen as a strategic move by Turji to avoid further escalation or a direct confrontation with security forces who have been closing in on him.

“The troops have vowed to get him whether dead or Alive.”