Army Brass Stake Their Reputation on His Capture
By Mike Odeh James
(Kaduna) In a predictable yet ominous move, notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji has reacted with fury following the capture of his key ally, Bako Wurgi, by the Nigerian military.
Wurgi, a feared terror boss himself, but believed to be a vassal to Turji, was apprehended in Shinkafi, Zamfara State on December 14, 2024 during treatment for battle wounds.
Wurgi’s capture is a significant blow to Turji’s operations, as he was instrumental in orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of tribal Chief (Sarkin) of Gobir, Isah Mohammed Bawa, in Sokoto. According to informed sources, the captured terrorist personally led the Fulani group that abducted the tribal chief.
Furthermore, Wurgi’s son, Sani Duna, plays a crucial role in Turji’s organization, overseeing the fleet of motorbikes and serving as the armorer.
Turji’s Threaten Communities Over Wurgi
Angered by the capture of his key ally, Turji has vowed to unleash a wave of violence and bloodshed across two counties—in a bold effort to coerce authorities to hand over his trusted ally, Wurgi.
Turji, known for his ruthless tactics, has warned village heads and community leaders in Shinkafi County in Zamfara to secure Wurgi’s release or face devastating consequences.
According to Sahara Reporters newspaper on December 17, 2024, Turji has vowed to kill hostages that are in his custody if Wurgi is not released.
His menacing message has sent shockwaves throughout the region, leaving many fearing for their lives.
Emboldened By Past
David Onyilokwu Idah, Director of the International Human Rights Commission, told TruthNigeria that Turji has the capacity to carry out his threat if the military is not proactive.
“Bello Turji’s men had, in the past, launched a series of attacks in Maradun and Shinkafi Counties in Zamfara state. After his father’s arrest on July 17, 2021, more than 150 people were kidnapped and 10 villages displaced.”
“Turji had accused the communities of Kurya, Keta, Kware, Badarawa, Marisuwa, and Maberaya of providing information to the military that led to his father’s arrest,” Idah said.
“The terrorist threatened to make the state ungovernable by carrying out more kidnappings and killing his hostages if his father was not released,” Idah added.
The Zamfara State government eventually succumbed to pressure and released Turji’s father, according to Idah.
“It is over 90 days since Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Chris Musa, had ordered the arrest of Turji, yet the military had not apprehended him,” according to Idah.
“All this may definitely embolden him to try and kidnap, murder, and blackmail the authority to release Wurgi,” Idah added.
However, Idah noted that it is almost certain that “Turji will be captured or killed at some point if he does not surrender.”
Turji Relocates To Sokoto region with 40 Captives
Counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who has close links with the Nigerian military, gave an insight into how the military will react to Turji’s latest move.
In an exclusive phone call with TruthNigeria, Makama observed: “Turji may be a cat with nine lives, but his life is almost at an end.” The military will not give in to Turji’s blackmail and will either kill or capture him, according to Makama.
Most of Turji’s key allies, such as Kachalla Balleri, Bako Wurgi, and Dan Karma, have been killed or captured, leaving him living on borrowed time, Makama told TruthNigeria. He also described Turji as “overrated,” stating that in terms of firepower, men, and land occupied, Turji is nowhere near the likes of Dogo Gide or Yellow Jambros.
According to Makama, Turji is not in the same league as high-profile terrorists such as Dogo Gide, who has collaborated with Boko Haram and Ansaru and has even engaged in bombing railway tracks. Despite this, the Nigerian military was able to severely wound Gide, forcing him to flee.
Makama also expressed confidence that the military would prevent Turji from carrying out his threats to kidnap, kill, or cause mayhem in Zamfara or Sokoto States.
“The Nigerian Army has increased its presence in the Northwest, and it is better equipped to tackle any form of threat by Turji and the terrorists,” Makama said.
“Turji’s threat won’t work; it would rather hasten his death or capture, Makama said.
Turji’ Moves To Sokoto Forest
Meanwhile, Turji has established a new base in the Indaduwa Forest, about 1.9 miles northwest of the village of Bula, near the boundaries of Gundumi, Galadi, Maradun, and Raba in Sokoto State.
“Turji’s establishment of a new stronghold in the Indaduwa Forest is driven by a thirst for revenge and a lust for power,” Makama said to TruthNigeria.
The notorious terrorist is hell-bent on settling old scores with his arch-nemesis, the Maniya group, in a bloody feud that has spanned years,” Makama went on to say.
“The roots of this vendetta run deep, tracing back to a violent clash that left prominent Maniya figure Kachalla Dullun dead
Turji who inherited this deadly rivalry and is determined to crush his enemies, no matter the cost in blood and tears,” Makama added.
According Makama, more than 40 individuals are currently Turji’s hostages in Indaduwa Forest, with ransom payments allegedly facilitated through informants stationed in Marnona and Gidan Rana near the Gundumi-Isa Road. He also has threatened to execute the hostages if Wurgi is not released.
Mike Odeh James is a conflict reporter in Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria and reports for TruthNigeria.
