Infamous bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly set free all individuals previously held captive by his group.
This move follows intensified military campaigns targeting his operations across Zamfara State and neighboring areas.
According to information obtained by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst in the North West, Turji’s decision appears to be a response to the mounting pressure from Nigerian Armed Forces under the ongoing Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.
Zagazola wrote on his Twitter page, “In a surprising turn of events, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released all individuals held captive by his group.
“The development comes amid heightened military operations aimed at capturing the fugitive and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions”, part of his statement read.
AFRIPOST gathered that recent coordinated airstrikes and ground assaults on his strongholds in Fakai, Shinkafi, and nearby locations have significantly weakened his group’s capacity, compelling them to retreat.
Observers believe the release of the hostages is a calculated attempt by Turji to de-escalate tensions and avoid a direct clash with advancing security forces, who remain resolute in their mission to capture him “dead or alive.”