The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, has revealed that wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji is currently fleeing military operations following an aggressive push by Nigerian troops in recent weeks.
He made this statement on Wednesday during a ministerial briefing in Abuja where he detailed the outcomes of sustained operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to the minister, Turji is no longer operating freely as troops have carried out successful raids that led to the killing of multiple high-profile terrorist leaders.
Among those eliminated were figures known in various conflict zones, including Maza Barume Madaro, Kachalla Alhaji Dati, Bani Wala Burki, Kachalla Dogo Kwaden, Chairman Hanazuma, Kachalla Bandiyo, and Maiyara Madaci.
Also named were Alhaji Karki, Kachalla Makore, Zakiru, and Okachalla Azarailu. Badaru noted that security forces are making progress daily, and most of these commanders are either dead or on the run.
“Recently, there has been a renewed impetus to all our operations across the country, translating into commendable achievement, specifically in the Northeast,” he said.
He added that the recent spike in attacks by terrorists was swiftly and heavily countered by the military, causing heavy losses for the armed groups.
The minister noted that troops are more determined than ever to end these threats and are using every means available, especially better intelligence.
Badaru also pointed out that the causes of Nigeria’s security issues go beyond local problems. He noted that the roots include long-term social and political divisions, economic hardship, influence from outside the country, and the changing nature of global terrorism.
He stressed that solving these challenges will take more than just military strength. It will need help from other areas like economic support, regional teamwork, and better leadership at all levels.
He added, “President Bola Tinubu’s firm directive, that ‘Enough is Enough’, signals enforcement of political will, which also charges us to double our effort in collaboration of all stakeholders towards overcoming the security challenges in this nation.”
He concluded by saying that the Defence Ministry, under the President’s direction, is working closely with all security agencies, making use of shared intelligence and combining both military and non-military strategies to defeat the insurgents once and for all.
