By Milcah Tanimu
In a recent interview, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa revealed that notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji shows signs of distress as military operations intensify against terrorist groups in Nigeria’s North West.
During the interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at its inaugural Annual International Lecture in Abuja, Gen. Musa noted that recent military actions eliminated Halilu Buzu and several other terrorist commanders, instilling fear within Turji’s camp.
“He is clearly panicking,” Gen. Musa asserted. “In the past, he spoke boldly, projecting authority as if he were untouchable. However, it’s evident that he now realizes he no longer holds control. The death of Halilu Buzu, whom he regarded as his leader, has made him acutely aware of his vulnerability. Consequently, he understands he could be next, and what we are witnessing from him is simply noise.”
Moreover, the CDS emphasized that Turji has crossed a critical threshold and assured that military forces would continue operations against insurgents, likely leading to more terrorist casualties. He pointed out that ongoing insecurity in the region largely stems from poverty, illiteracy, and governance issues, which leave many young people without opportunities.
“The prolonged state of insecurity worsens due to these challenges,” he explained. “In addition, we have a significant youth population that remains idle. Therefore, the more we eliminate current threats, the more individuals are drawn into these groups. Additionally, with a 1,500-kilometer border with Niger Republic and another border with Benin Republic, many individuals move in and out of Nigeria, further complicating our efforts.”
With the military’s continued commitment to combating terrorism, the CDS remains hopeful that the tide will turn against these criminal factions in the near future.
