Bandit leader Bello Turji threatens reprisals over arrest of close associate

Notorious terrorism leader Bello Turji has issued threats to residents of surrounding communities following the recent arrests of suspects by the Nigerian military.

In a video released on Christmas Day, Turji claimed that the individuals apprehended were not bandits but “innocent” elderly members of his ancestral community.

The Nigerian military had earlier announced the capture of several of Turji’s associates during an operation. Major General Buba Edward, the Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, disclosed on December 20 that those arrested included Bako Wurgi, Hamisu Sale (aka Master), and Abubakar Muhammad.

According to the military, Wurgi is suspected of being involved in the murder of a Sokoto monarch, among other heinous crimes.

Turji’s threats have raised concerns about potential reprisals against local communities, as security forces intensify efforts to dismantle his network.

READ ALSO: Court orders remand of terror suspects linked to bandit kingpin Bello Turji

“The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the firefight. He, nevertheless, provided valuable intelligence to support troops’ operations before he died,” Mr Edward said.

But five days after the statement, Mr Turji, surrounded in the video by armed men brandishing sophisticated arms, said the military did not capture the three suspects in a battle, but arrested them in market places and in the hospital.

Mr Turji also blamed residents of the areas for providing information to the military that led to the arrests, vowing to punish the communities for their actions.

“The message is for the residents of Zamfara and Sokoto States, specifically, residents of Shinkafi, to release our brothers who are with them; otherwise, the year 2025 is going to be deadly for them with frequent kidnapping for ransom,” he said.

“Edward Buba, look at the elderly people you arrested. They are above 75 years old. And look at me. I am 35 years old, and you said those people you arrested are my accomplices. Edward Buba, be mindful of what you are telling people. If you cannot go to the battlefield, go inside your room and rest and stop lying to the people,” Mr Turji said.

He also challenged the military to display the guns it claimed soldiers seized from the bandits at battle. “Display them to the people if you fought the battle with us,” he said.

“Our brothers whom you arrested were picked up at the markets and others in the hospital. We never fought any battle with you. If you actually want to fight us, not our parents, you know where we are. Come, let us fight.

“We are calling on the residents of Shinkafi, Isa, Zurmi, and its environs in this coming year, 2025 if you don’t address those informants responsible for the killing of our brothers, you will face the consequences. You know we are killers, we know how to kill. You people see us as uncivilised; we also see you as such.

“Any town that fails to obey our directives, we are going to turn it into rubble,” Mr Turji said, pointing at some dilapidated buildings close to him.

(PremiumTimes)