Defence Minister orders arrest of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar Badaru, arrived in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on Thursday, directing troops of Operation Fansar Yamma to capture the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. Upon his arrival, Badaru was welcomed by Major General Oluyinka Olalekan, Commander of the Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation Fansar Yamma, along with the state’s Deputy Governor, Mani Mumini, and other government officials.

During his address at the One Brigade Headquarters, the Minister highlighted that President Bola Tinubu had been monitoring troop activities over the past few months and noted some improvements in operations against terrorism in the region. However, he acknowledged that challenges remain.

He stated, “The President urged me to thank you and to encourage you to intensify efforts to combat insecurity in these areas and across the country. He is ready to provide all necessary resources to end insecurity in the Northwest and Nigeria.”

Badaru expressed confidence in the troops’ capabilities and called for a decisive effort to apprehend Turji, saying, “Are you ready to finish with them? Are you ready to end it? Please get me Turji.”

This visit comes shortly after Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda met with Badaru and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja.