By Abigail Philip David
Former military generals and security analysts have called on the Federal Government to adopt strategic measures to dismantle the criminal network led by notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, who continues to terrorize the North-West region.
Turji, known for orchestrating kidnappings, killings, and attacks on both civilians and security operatives, has evaded multiple military operations, leaving a trail of insecurity across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states. Despite a warrant for his arrest, he remains at large, issuing threats and imposing levies on rural communities.
Following the recent detention of his brother, Baka Wurgi, Turji escalated his threats, vowing to increase attacks. Days later, his gang abducted 10 passengers and set their vehicle ablaze along Zamfara’s Kaura-Namoda-Shinkafi Road.
Reacting to the crisis, retired military officers and experts outlined recommendations to neutralize Turji and his network:
Community Collaboration and Intelligence Sharing
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“Turji thrives on fear, but with enhanced military efforts and community cooperation, he can be neutralized. The locals must provide actionable intelligence to aid the military’s operations,” he said.
Revised Military Strategies
Former Army Chief General Ishola Williams criticized the military’s lack of decisive action despite knowing Turji’s hideout.
“If a bandit leader openly dares the military, it reflects poorly on our security framework. This situation suggests that someone may be benefiting from the ongoing banditry,” Williams alleged, urging an immediate review of operational strategies.
Retired Lt. Col. Ademola Lawal advocated for a step-by-step clearance operation, saying:
“Turji’s movements across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger must be restricted. A comprehensive plan to block his escape routes and infiltrate his network is essential.”
Integration of Grassroots Intelligence
Air Commodore Abayomi Balogun (retd.) stressed grassroots involvement in intelligence gathering, rejecting dialogue with bandits.
“Dialogue with terrorists is akin to negotiating with blackmailers—it rarely works. We need a shift in tactics to incorporate local communities into our security architecture,” Balogun said.
Technology-Driven Solutions
Lawal suggested combining technological and human intelligence to track Turji’s movements, asserting that his capture would dismantle his network.
“The military must deploy advanced surveillance tools and infiltrate his ranks to pinpoint his activities,”** he added.
Local Leaders Express Concern
Former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa described Turji’s recent ultimatum as deeply troubling.
L“Many villages near my hometown are now deserted, with residents fleeing in fear of attacks,” he lamented.
Bashar Altine, a security expert, corroborated these fears, highlighting Turji’s history of issuing threats to intimidate security forces.
“When Turji’s father was arrested, he threatened widespread violence, forcing authorities to release him. This emboldened him further,” Altine said.
Abdullahi Shinkafi, a resident of Zamfara, reported that over 50 villages in Shinkafi Local Government Area have been abandoned.
“Turji explicitly vowed to destroy communities in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa, forcing mass evacuations,” Shinkafi stated.
Call for Urgency
Experts unanimously agree that the Federal Government and security agencies must act decisively to end Turji’s reign.
“Allowing him to operate with impunity undermines national security. A united front involving military precision, community support, and advanced intelligence is the only way forward,”** Adewinbi concluded.
With Turji continuing to threaten lives and destabilize the region, the urgency for a coordinated and comprehensive security response has never been more critical.
