The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described notorious bandit leader Bello Turji as a “dead man walking,” in response to his recent threats against the military and communities in Zamfara State.
Turji had made headlines after releasing a video accusing the military of targeting elderly people and demanding the release of his detained ally, Baka Wurgi. He also threatened to wreak havoc on Zamfara in 2025 if his demands were ignored.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Turji’s threats as mere bravado. He assured Nigerians that the military remains steadfast in its commitment to defeating terrorism.
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.”
Highlighting the successes of 2024, Buba disclosed that the military neutralized 10,937 terrorists, arrested over 12,500, and rescued more than 7,000 kidnapped victims.
Weapons and ammunition were also seized in large quantities. He emphasized the military’s readiness to continue its campaign in 2025, expressing confidence in achieving a decisive victory.
The DHQ also addressed claims by Amnesty International about an alleged bombing incident in Sokoto. Buba affirmed the military’s openness to dialogue, while urging Nigerians to ignore propaganda from terrorist groups.
