Bandit kingpin Turji is dead man walking, DHQ declares

The Defence Headquarters has described notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking,” following his recent threats against the military and communities in Zamfara State.

Turji, in a viral video, challenged the military, accusing it of targeting elderly people and demanding the release of a detained associate, Baka Wurgi. He further threatened to unleash terror on Zamfara residents in 2025 if his demands were not met.

Reacting during the end-of-year briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba dismissed Turji’s threats as empty rhetoric, vowing that the bandit leader would meet the same fate as other terrorist commanders.

Buba said, “Bello Turji is merely a dead man walking. It would be insulting to engage in a war of words with a terrorist. Before him, others who dared to boast against security forces have all been neutralised. The same fate awaits Turji and his likes.

“These so-called terrorist leaders who think they are untouchable will eventually meet their end. Many have been buried on the battlefield, and 2025 will see the same fate for others. Their time is up.”

Addressing journalist on Amnesty International’s call for an investigation into the Sokoto accidental bombing, Buba stated that the military would cooperate once the rights group honors its invitation to discuss allegations it previously leveled against the armed forces.

“We invited Amnesty International to discuss their allegations against us, which we found shocking and misleading. We await their response. When they honour that invitation, we will address their latest request,” Buba said.

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He urged Nigerians to disregard terrorist propaganda about the Sokoto incident, saying, “Terrorists thrive on propaganda. Don’t let them manipulate the narrative. The bombing targeted terrorists, not innocent civilians.”

Highlighting the military’s successes in 2024, Buba revealed that over 10,000 terrorists were killed, 12,538 arrested, and 7,063 kidnapped victims rescued in various operations across the country.

“During the year, we neutralized 10,937 terrorists, arrested 12,538, and rescued 7,063 hostages. We also recovered 8,815 weapons and 228,004 rounds of ammunition,” Buba disclosed.

Notable terrorist leaders eliminated in 2024 include Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, and Jeremiah Uzuoma, among others.

In the fight against economic sabotage, the military recovered stolen crude oil worth N68 billion and disrupted numerous oil theft operations.

“Troops recovered 56.2 million liters of stolen crude oil, 9.7 million liters of illegally refined AGO, and 156,527 liters of PMS. These efforts denied criminals an estimated N68.4 billion in revenue,” Buba stated.

Buba expressed optimism about the military’s operations in 2025, forecasting the total defeat of terrorist elements in Nigeria.

“2024 showed us signs of major victories ahead. Over 10,000 terrorists were killed, and thousands surrendered, not just in the Northeast but also in the Northwest and North Central. This indicates the dwindling morale of the terrorists. Victory in 2025 is non-negotiable,” he declared.