By Solomon Odeniyi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on Tuesday, vowed to apprehend a notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.
Turji is one of the most feared bandit leaders in the Northwest, responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks on residents of Zamfara.
He recently imposed an N30 million levy on the residents for their protection against attacks in Zamfara State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Musa called Turji “a deranged” individual and bet that he would be captured within the shortest possible time.
The Defense Chief also stated that the issue of levies imposed by Turji and other bandits will be addressed.
Musa said, “On the issue of Turji, like I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it’s just a matter of time.
“It is a matter of time, we’re going to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time. We’re going to address that issue on the issue of payment of levy (to bandits). That is what they live on. And it shows you the desperation they are in.
“One, even when they get the money, they don’t have a way to use it. Two is that the money they’re getting, they know, is blood money. And that is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.”
He said the support received by the bandits from residents was fuelling their activities.
Musa said, “Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.”
Musa stated that the operations in the NorthWest have harmonised after it was reviewed.
He said, “We have reviewed the entire operation and realized that we need to harmonize our operations together. As you notice, we have Operation Hadrin Daiji and Operation Whirl Stroke, both within the Northwest region. We have seen the need for us to harmonize those operations into one operation like we did in the Northeast where you have operation Hadin Kai.
“The same thing is being done now for the Northwest operation. We have one unified operation. It’s going to be called Operation
Kasar Yamma which is securing the North West. Now the intention is to ensure that we synergize all our efforts in addressing the security challenges in the Northwest.
“So now what we are doing is that since we are harmonizing the whole operation, we will come under one commander. And then the commander will be able to utilize all the equipment and troops together to ensure that we address this critically. And I think that’s the best solution we have for it.
“And I can assure you, all the assets that are required to do that will be done.”
He appealed to the citizens to stop giving support to bandits while lamenting that locals invited the bandits to attack the troops’ armoured vehicles when they broke down.
Musa said, “The bandits intend to just show that they are present. And that’s why we’re appealing to Nigerians not to provide any support. If you remember, the last time we had this issue where our APC was, the MRAP was bogged down, and the terrorists came.
“It was some people who called them and told them that the troops were having issues with their vehicle and they should come around. And they came in mass. That was what exactly happened. And that’s why we’re appealing to individuals.” (Punch)
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