Turji Bello seeks prayers from Niger clerics to avert capture

Turji Bello’s son was recently killed when Nigerian troops under the codename “Operation Fansan Yanma” attacked his camp in Zamfara

By Kehinde Okeowo

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji has asked clerics from Niger Republic and  Borno State capital, Maiduguri to offer prayers so that he can evade being captured by Nigerian troops under the codename “Operation Fansan Yanma”.

This was disclosed by Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.

He noted that Turji’s reign of terror has long been supported by spiritual leaders who offer prayers and guidance before his gang embarks on any mission.

According to him, these clerics provide “spiritual backing and determine the timing and nature of his criminal operations.”

ALSO READ: Troops dislodge bandit leader Bello Turji’s camp, kill his son 

Makama said: “It has been a routine for Turji to consult these prayer warriors before carrying out attacks. They give directives on which missions are auspicious and advise on strategies for evading military offensives.”

TheNiche recently reported that the Nigerian military intensified efforts to capture Turji and dismantle his banditry network.

According to the report, he is currently on the run after a combined military operation, including ground and air bombardments at his camp in Fakai, a community in the Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara State.

A reliable source after the operation said, “We killed his son and many of his fighters during the operation. I also listened to Turji’s panicked voice calling for reinforcements from seven other bandit leaders. None of them showed up, and one of his spies narrowly escaped from us today.”