Nigerians still awaiting action from CDS on terrorist leader, Bello Turji – Group

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has been urged to follow through on his recent vow to bring terrorist leader Bello Turji to justice.

The reminder comes from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a leading civil society organization, which called on the Defence Chief to ensure his promises are not just for public or media consumption.

HURIWA expressed its support for hiring international military contractors to assist Nigeria’s armed forces in decisively tackling terrorism.

The organization emphasized the need for expert fighters, possibly from countries like South Africa or the United States, to support the military in dismantling terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, armed herders in the North West, and bandits operating in North Central Nigeria.

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This comes after the CDS, nearly a month ago, assured Nigerians that the days of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji were numbered.

General Musa had made this statement during a visit to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, where he also reported the successful killing of Kachalla Halilu Sububu, another prominent bandit leader in Western Zamfara.

HURIWA reminded the Defence Chief of his earlier declaration, urging the military not to lose momentum in its fight against terrorism. “Nigerians are eagerly awaiting concrete results following General Musa’s categorical statement about capturing Bello Turji, one of the most dangerous terrorist masterminds,” the group stated.

In a media release, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said, “When a high-ranking military official declares that the days of a terrorist leader are numbered, Nigerians expect prompt action. It has been nearly a month since General Musa’s statement, yet the nation has not seen any tangible results. We ask the military one simple question: Where is Bello Turji?”

Onwubiko added, “The people of Nigeria are looking for action, not just more words, as the military is known for its decisive operations, not political grandstanding.”

HURIWA also voiced support for Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to employ the services of military contractors to eradicate Boko Haram remnants in Borno State. Ndume praised the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) but pointed out that they lack the necessary equipment to finish the job. He noted that several global powers, including the United States, Russia, and France, regularly utilize military contractors in warfare.

Ndume remarked, “Governments around the world hire military contractors for specific operations. President Tinubu should consider this as a short-term measure to work alongside our military and JTF, who are familiar with the terrain. These contractors, with their advanced equipment, could eliminate both Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in a short time.”

HURIWA echoed these sentiments, pointing to a recent attack by Boko Haram in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of six farmers and the abduction of five others, including women. The attack also claimed the life of the local Civilian JTF commander, Jubril Dada Zarana.

The rights group emphasized that engaging private military contractors could be a game-changer in the protracted war on terrorism in Nigeria, especially as farmers continue to face attacks from terrorists, further threatening food security in the country.