Bello Turji, the notorious terrorist leader in Zamfara State, has reportedly released all the individuals in his captivity and fled with his family members following sustained military operations. This development was confirmed by a senior military officer who spoke anonymously, citing the military’s intensified efforts to dismantle Turji’s network.

Military’s Persistent Pressure on Turji

The military officer confirmed to The PUNCH that Turji, under mounting pressure from ongoing military attacks, had released the kidnapped victims and is now on the run. “It is true that Bello Turji has released all those he had kidnapped and is currently on the run,” the officer stated, adding that the military was focused on capturing him. “We will, by God’s grace, get rid of them. We will soon capture Turji, dead or alive.”

Released Captives Seeking Help

Residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area, where Turji had his hideouts, reported seeing some of the released captives around the Kaura-Namoda-Shinkafi road. Muhammad Bello, a local resident, shared with The PUNCH that many of the freed victims appeared weak and ill as they sought help to return to their communities. “Some of them look very tired and sick and were looking for help,” Bello said.

Military Operations and Successful Clearance

On January 17, 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the success of a clearance operation against Turji’s group. The operation, conducted along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axes, resulted in the deaths of several terrorists, including Turji’s son. The DHQ reported that Turji’s son was killed during the military offensive at the Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the outgoing Director of Media Operations, labeled Turji’s decision to abandon his son and fighters during the operation as cowardly. “Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants,” Buba remarked.

Continued Defiance and Military Response

Turji, who had repeatedly taunted the military after being declared wanted, had issued challenges to the military, daring them to confront him at his hideout. In December 2024, he boldly mocked the military’s efforts following the capture of his associate, Baka Wurgi. In response, the military vowed to neutralize him in 2025.

Rescue of Kidnapped Victims

The operation also led to the rescue of several hostages previously held captive by Turji’s syndicate. According to the DHQ, the military’s air and ground forces successfully neutralized a significant number of terrorists and destroyed the group’s logistics base, further crippling Turji’s operations.

As the hunt for Turji continues, the military remains determined to bring him to justice, intensifying efforts to curb the growing security threat in Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West region.