Bandit leader Bello Turji releases hostages as military forces close in

In an unexpected development, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released all individuals held by his group.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin.

This move comes after intense military offensives under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity, aimed at apprehending Turji and dismantling his criminal network in Zamfara State and neighboring areas. Makama, citing security sources, explained that the release of the captives was a response to the mounting pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Recent airstrikes and coordinated ground assaults on Turji’s hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and nearby locations have significantly weakened his group, forcing them to retreat. Military forces remain committed to capturing Turji, declaring that their mission is to apprehend him “dead or alive.”

Makama noted that Turji’s decision to free the captives appears to be a strategic attempt to avoid further conflict with the security forces, who have been steadily closing in on him. “The release is seen as a move to prevent escalation or direct confrontation with the military,” Makama added.