In a renewed push to tackle insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region, the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, has issued a directive to the troops of Operation Fansar Yamma, calling for the immediate arrest of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Speaking at the One Brigade Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, during a briefing with military personnel, Badaru emphasized the importance of neutralizing Turji, whose gang has been responsible for numerous attacks across the region.
“I had some reassurances from the commanding officer and was pleased, sure that we would reach the goal,” Badaru said while addressing the troops. “Are you ready to finish with them? Are you ready to end it? Please get me Turji.”
Badaru also conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Tinubu for the troops’ efforts in combating terrorism in the region, acknowledging some progress while noting that challenges remain. The President, he said, is monitoring the situation closely and is committed to providing all necessary resources to the military.
“President Bola Tinubu has been following the activities of the troops in the past few months and has seen some levels of improvement in the operation against terrorists in the region, but the challenges are still there,” Badaru stated.
“He, therefore, urged me to thank you and to urge you to do more to end insecurity in these areas of operation and the country. He is ready to provide all you need to end insecurity in the Northwest and Nigeria.”
The Defence Minister’s visit to Gusau is part of a broader effort to intensify military operations against banditry and terrorism in the Northwest.
He was accompanied by Major General Oluyinka Soyele, Commander of the Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation Fansar Yamma, as well as Zamfara State’s Deputy Governor, Mani Mumuni, among other dignitaries.
Operation Fansar Yamma, launched to tackle the wave of banditry in the region, has been under increasing pressure to deliver results as communities continue to face attacks from Turji’s gang and other criminal elements.
The directive from the Defence Minister signals a heightened focus on bringing notorious figures like Turji to justice, aiming to restore peace and security in Zamfara and the broader region.