DHQ Intensifies Manhunt for Bello Turji After Arrest of Mahmuda Kingpin

Barely a day after the high-profile capture of Abubakar Abba, leader of the notorious Mahmuda terror group, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its intensified pursuit of bandit kingpin Bello Turji—despite reports of a peace deal brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.

Abba, described as one of the most dangerous terror leaders in West Africa and head of the Mahmuda group—an offshoot of Boko Haram linked to attacks in Niger and Kwara states—was arrested Wednesday in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State in an intelligence-led Department of State Services (DSS) operation. The arrest was celebrated by Niger Governor Umaru Bago, who declared it a major victory for the state and credited President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating firm resolve in tackling insecurity. Abba has since been transferred to Abuja for further investigation, underscoring the government’s commitment to dismantling terror networks across the country.

Reports surfaced this week that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit commander with a reputation for orchestrating brutal raids in Zamfara and Sokoto, had released 32 kidnapped hostages and surrendered some weapons after negotiations with prominent cleric Musa Yusuf (Asadus-Sunnah) and other religious figures in the Fakai forest of Zamfara. The deal reportedly allowed local farmers safer access to their lands and ushered in relative peace in the troubled Shinkafi axis.

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However, the DHQ has swiftly debunked claims of Turji’s surrender. Addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, clarified, “Turji has not surrendered, we are still hot on his trail”. The military maintains its hunt and warns that reports of Turji submitting to authorities lack credible verification.

In related developments, the DHQ responded to recent protests by a handful of retired military personnel dissatisfied with welfare provisions. Military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and representatives of the Military Pensions Board, met with a government-appointed committee to resolve these concerns. Modalities are being drafted to address veterans’ welfare, ensuring improved support moving forward.

The DHQ also dismissed Amnesty International’s allegations of extrajudicial killings in the Southeast, affirming that the military remains committed to professional conduct and due process in its operations.