The Nigerian military has issued a strong warning to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, declaring that his time is almost up as security forces intensify operations against terrorist elements across the country.
Speaking at the bi-weekly press briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that troops remain actively engaged in tracking and neutralizing high-value terrorist leaders in all operational theatres.
Responding to a question on whether the military had scaled down efforts against cattle rustlers and wanted bandits, General Kangye said operations remain in full swing.
“The troops are still hunting down high-value terrorist leaders. Some were eliminated in the first quarter of 2025. As for Bello Turji, we will soon fix an appointment for him with his maker,” Kangye said.
He also addressed viral claims suggesting poor treatment and food rationing for frontline troops, describing them as false narratives designed to demoralize soldiers and undermine public confidence in the Armed Forces.
“The claim that frontline troops are not well taken care of is untrue. The service headquarters, along with the Armed Forces, are fully committed to the welfare of our personnel, including the sick and wounded,” he stated.
Kangye disclosed that some injured personnel have been evacuated abroad for specialized treatment—fully funded by the military—to countries including Egypt, Turkey, and India.
“In 2024, the Nigerian Army even allocated free housing to wounded-in-action personnel in a dedicated estate located in Idu, Abuja. So, we reject any attempt to tarnish the image of the military regarding troop welfare,” he added.
In further operational updates, Kangye revealed that troops under Operation Delta Safe dismantled 122 illegal refining sites and disrupted oil theft operations valued at over N7 billion during the first quarter of 2025.
“Troops recovered and destroyed over 6.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, more than 1.3 million litres of illegally refined AGO, and seized dozens of boats, barges, pumping machines, and vehicles used in illegal activities,” he said.
He emphasized the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources, maintaining territorial integrity, and neutralizing threats to national security.
