Terrorist leader Bello Turji frees all captives in a strategic move ward off government troops
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Terrorist leader Bello Turji has reportedly released all the people held captive by his group as the military is closing in on his hideout in a renewed push to end jihadist insurgency in the North.
Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert, broke the news on Tuesday.
It comes amid escalated military operations to capture the fugitive and dismantle his terror infrastructure in Zamfara and surrounding states.
Per Daily Post reporting, 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 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,” Makama added.
Musa declares 2025 as year to end terrorism across Nigeria
Earlier in January, former Sokoto Governor Dalhatu Bafarawa cried out over rampaging insurgency in the North West.
And Turji’s gambit came two weeks after Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa declared 2025 as the year to decisively tackle and eradicate banditry, terrorism, and other security threats nationwide.
Musa made the declaration during a visit to troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Mangu Council of Plateau where he commended the military’s achievements in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and urged troops to redouble their efforts.
“This year, 2025, will be a decisive year for Nigeria’s security. We must make it the year we finally eradicate banditry, terrorism, and all forms of insecurity threatening our great nation,” Musa exhorted.
He praised the dedication and bravery of soldiers but stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum.
Musa inspected arms and ammunition recovered by OPSH and reviewed a guard of honour mounted in his honour.
He was joined by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and OPSH Commander, in a push-up exercise with the troops, an exercise Musa said reflected their commitment to the fight against insurgency.
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