In an unexpected move, infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji has reportedly freed all individuals held captive by his group.
The revelation was made on Tuesday by a counter-terrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, Zagazola Makama.
This development follows intensified military offensives under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity, aimed at apprehending Turji and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding areas.
According to Makama who quoted security sources, Turji’s decision to release the captives stems from mounting pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Recent airstrikes and coordinated ground assaults on his hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and nearby locations have significantly weakened his operations, forcing his group to retreat.
Military forces remain resolute, declaring their mission to capture Turji “dead or alive.
Makama said Turji’s decision to “free the captives is linked to the intense pressure mounted by the Nigerian Armed Forces under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.
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.
The troops have vowed to get him whether dead or Alive.
