The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on Tuesday vowed to apprehend a notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.
Turji is one of the most feared bandit leaders in the Northwest, responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks on residents of Zamfara.
He recently imposed an N30 million levy on the residents for their protection against attacks in Zamfara State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Musa called Turji “a deranged” individual and bet that he would be captured within the shortest possible time.
The Defense Chief also stated that the issue of levies imposed by Turji and other bandits will be addressed.
Musa said, “On the issue of Turji, like I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it’s just a matter of time.
It is a matter of time; we’re going to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time. We’re going to address that issue on the issue of payment of levy (to bandits). That is what they live on. And it shows you the desperation they are in.
The Defense Chief also stated that the issue of levies imposed by Turji and other bandits will be addressed.
Musa said, “On the issue of Turji, like I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it’s just a matter of time.
“It is a matter of time; we’re going to get him, and I can assure you that it will be within the shortest possible time. We’re going to address that issue on the issue of payment of levy (to bandits). That is what they live on. And it shows you the desperation they are in.
“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening.
“Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.
“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.
“You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniforms, you don’t know them, but they know you.
“And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult,” he said.
Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage on their strengths to be able to move further to be able to rid the country of security threats.
“We intend to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press,” he added.
