Terrorist Kingpin Bello Turji Ready To Surrender, Says Chief Of Defence Staff

Abuja, Nigeria- The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, revealed on Friday that notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji has expressed his readiness to surrender.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, General Musa disclosed that intensified military operations have severely weakened Turji’s network.

The operations, he said, resulted in the elimination of Turji’s second-in-command and several key lieutenants, leaving the kingpin increasingly isolated.

“They [terrorists] are within the communities, and the people know them,” General Musa explained.

“We’ve taken out his second-in-command and most of his lieutenants. In fact, he is now forced to release most of the people under him. Recently, he indicated that he doesn’t want to fight anymore and is ready to surrender.”

However, the Defence Chief maintained a firm stance on justice for victims of terrorism.

He stressed that surrender does not absolve perpetrators of their crimes, particularly those involving the killing of innocent citizens.

“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him [Turji] should not be allowed to stay,” General Musa declared.

Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader operating in Nigeria’s northwest region, has been responsible for numerous atrocities, including killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities.

His reported willingness to surrender comes amid intensified military offensives targeting bandit strongholds.

However, General Musa’s comments signal that justice and accountability will remain priorities in the government’s approach to ending terrorism.