‘He’s a dead man walking’ — military threatens to eliminate Bello Turji

The Nigerian military has declared Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist and bandit leader, a “dead man walking”.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that Turji operates in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states.

“Take it from me, he (Turji) is merely a dead man walking, as he will soon follow suit with many others that have been eliminated during the course of the year,” Buba said.

“To refresh your memory, I will reveal some of the names of notable terrorist leaders that we have taken out since January this year.

“These include: Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Abubakar Musa, Adamu Tanko Ibrahim, Yellow Dogon Rakumi, Isiya Boderi and Alhaji Baldu.

“Others are Usman Modi Modi, Kachalla Halilu, Kachalla Tukur, Amir Ibrahim Bukar, Saidu Hassan Yellow, Buba Kachalla Bukar, Bakura Jega, Abba Tukur amongst others.”

Speaking on military operations in 2024, Buba said troops eliminated “thousands” of terrorists and their commanders across the country.

“The troops had sustained pressure on the terrorist enclaves, hideouts, and strongholds as an incentive to speedily defeat the terrorists and hastily end the war,” Buba said.

“During the course of the year, troops eliminated thousands of terrorists and also their commanders and combatants among others.

“We are also sure that similar fate awaits those parading themselves as terror leaders and commanders today.”

Buba noted that the military will continue to deploy “overwhelming force” to defend the country against terror attacks and ensure the safety of citizens.

He added that intensified operations had led to the surrender of several terrorist leaders, combatants, and their families.