Bello Turji, a notorious gang leader operating in northwestern Nigeria, has escalated his confrontation with the Nigerian Army. Social media platforms have been abuzz with videos showing Turji and his gang celebrating the capture of a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a large ammunition depot. The incident occurred near the Nigeria-Niger border in Sokoto State, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Viral videos depict Turji’s group not only seizing military weapons but also celebrating with gunfire. The act of defiance has drawn mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some see it as a blow to the military, others, including former Senator Shehu Sani, have cautioned against interpreting these events as a sign of Turji’s heroism. Sani noted on X, “terrorist Bello Turji posting a video of an armored vehicle being seized doesn’t make him a hero or any less of a criminal”, and called for supporting Nigerian forces instead of undermining morale.
This is indeed a shame for President Bola Tinubu and his Chiefs of Staff.
An illiterate terrorist leader, Bello Turji and his gang are celebrating after capturing an armored personnel carrier (armored bunker) with lots of ammunition.
Turji even sent a warning to… pic.twitter.com/PwKvlqgmqy
— Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) August 31, 2024
In response, the Federal Government took drastic action. The Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, along with other military leaders, was sent to Sokoto State to intensify operations against Turji and his gang. Matawalle stated, “We stand ready to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that these criminal elements are eliminated and peace is restored in our communities.”, signaling a strong counterattack.
Turji’s use of social media to spread propaganda has complicated the situation. Reports indicate that he and his associates are active on platforms like TikTok, spreading messages to gain support or cause confusion. This digital strategy has prompted calls for better monitoring of online content to prevent the spread of terrorist propaganda.
Turji’s gang’s seizure of military equipment has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security strategies in the region. Critics say such incidents point to broader problems of inadequate response and intelligence failures. But advocates highlight the challenges of fighting guerrilla warfare in the rugged terrain of Zamfara and Sokoto.
