The Nigerian military has once again reiterated its commitment to eliminating Bello Turji, the infamous bandit leader responsible for terrorizing communities across the North-West.
Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, assured Nigerians that Turji is being closely tracked and will soon be neutralized.
However, this is not the first time such promises have been made.
The persistent challenge of neutralizing Turji raises deeper questions about Nigeria’s security operations, the resilience of banditry in the region, and the government’s ability to provide lasting protection to its citizens.
The Turji Threat: A Persistent Security Challenge
Bello Turji has long been a notorious figure in Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
His criminal network, like many other bandit groups, has evolved beyond simple cattle rustling to full-fledged organized crime, including large-scale kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on villages.
One of the most alarming developments is the confirmation by a Sokoto State lawmaker, Honourable Aminu Almustapha Boza, that Turji is actively imposing levies on local communities. This level of control over rural populations suggests that Turji’s influence remains strong despite the military’s operations.
The fact that residents are still paying taxes to bandits instead of relying on government protection speaks volumes about the gaps in security coverage.
It also highlights the psychological hold that such criminals have on their victims residents often comply out of fear, doubting that security forces can adequately protect them if they resist.
Military Strategy and Challenges
The Nigerian military has been engaging in various counterinsurgency and counter-banditry operations across the North-West.
Major General Onumajuru has emphasized the ongoing efforts to track Turji, but tracking alone is not enough, successful elimination or capture requires precise intelligence, tactical planning, and coordination with local forces.
Several challenges hinder these efforts:
- Difficult Terrain and Guerrilla Tactics
Bandits, including Turji’s network, operate in difficult terrain—dense forests and remote areas that are hard to access. The Sambisa Forest in the North-East was a similar challenge for the military in its fight against Boko Haram. Such environments provide natural cover for bandits and make tracking difficult. - Community Distrust and Fear
Despite assurances from the military, many communities do not fully trust the government’s ability to protect them.
The fear of retaliation from bandits often outweighs their confidence in security forces.
- Delays in Intelligence-Driven Operations
The military has admitted that it has been picking up Turji’s associates and disrupting his support network. However, the fact that Turji has continued to evade capture suggests that intelligence gathering, while improving, is not yet as effective as it needs to be. - Corruption and Possible Sabotage
One of the persistent problems in Nigeria’s security efforts is the issue of insider sabotage. There have been reports in the past of security operatives leaking information or being compromised by criminal networks.
If Turji continues to evade capture despite being tracked, it raises concerns about the integrity of the operations against him.
Public Confidence and the Government’s Repeated Assurances
The Nigerian public has heard similar assurances about Bello Turji before. In December 2024, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa declared that it was “only a matter of time” before Turji would be caught or eliminated. Yet, two months later, Turji remains at large, imposing levies on communities and operating underground.
This cycle of promises without immediate results contributes to a growing sense of insecurity among Nigerians.
Citizens are increasingly skeptical of military announcements, questioning whether the government has the capacity—or political will—to completely eradicate the banditry problem.
This skepticism is further fueled by the historical pattern of Nigerian security forces making high-profile arrests or neutralizing key figures, only for new criminal leaders to emerge.
Without a long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of banditry—such as poverty, lack of education, and corruption—eliminating one leader may not be enough to dismantle the entire network.
Way Forward: Beyond Tracking and Targeting Leaders
While eliminating Turji is a necessary step, a holistic approach is required to address banditry and insecurity in the North-West. Some key strategies include:
- Strengthening Community Collaboration
Local communities should be integrated into intelligence-gathering efforts. Civilian Joint Task Forces (CJTF) and vigilante groups have been effective in other parts of the country in assisting security forces.
- Sustained Military Operations and Presence
Rather than reactive operations that focus on individual targets, the military should establish a sustained presence in bandit-prone areas.
- Addressing the Root Causes of Banditry
Many bandits are young men who have been driven into crime due to poverty and unemployment. Government programs targeting economic development, education, and job creation can help reduce the appeal of criminal networks.
- Improving Intelligence Coordination
More effective intelligence-sharing mechanisms are needed between security agencies, including the military, police, and local governments, to prevent future bandit networks from emerging.
- Restoring Public Trust in Government Protection
The government must do more to demonstrate its ability to protect citizens. This includes ensuring that those who refuse to pay protection levies are not left vulnerable to attacks.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Security Strategy
The Nigerian military’s renewed commitment to eliminating Bello Turji is an important step in addressing insecurity in the North-West. However, past failures to capture or neutralize him raise valid concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.
For the government to rebuild public confidence, it must go beyond statements of intent and show tangible results.
The elimination of Turji should not be the end goal but part of a broader security strategy that dismantles bandit networks and restores stability to affected regions.
As Nigerians wait for action rather than promises, the question remains: Will the military succeed this time, or will Turji remain another symbol of the country’s ongoing security struggles?
