Notorious bandit Bello Turji releases all captives amid intense military offensive

In a surprising turn of events, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly freed all the individuals held captive by his group. The announcement was made by Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism expert focused on the Lake Chad Basin, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

This development comes at a time when the Nigerian military has intensified operations to capture Turji and dismantle his criminal network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions.

Makama explained that Turji’s decision to release the captives is closely linked to the mounting pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces, who are conducting Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity. These operations have involved both airstrikes and ground offensives targeting Turji’s hideouts in areas such as Fakai and Shinkafi, significantly weakening his group.

“The release of the captives is being seen as a strategic move by Turji to avoid further escalation or a direct confrontation with security forces who have been closing in on him,” Makama stated. “The troops have vowed to get him whether dead or alive.”

This release marks a significant moment in the ongoing military campaign against banditry in northern Nigeria.