Bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly freed all his captives as the Nigerian military’s offensive against him intensifies.

This was revealed in a statement by security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Tuesday.

“The development comes amid heightened military operations aimed at capturing the fugitive and dismantling his network in Zamfara State and surrounding regions,” Makama wrote on X.

“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.”

Makama reported earlier this week that Turji was suspected to be in the Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.

“Reports have emerged indicating the suspected presence of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in Maradun, Zamfara State,” Makama wrote on X.

He stated that loyalists to Turji, traveling on motorcycles and carrying casualties, were observed by local residents on the evenings of January 19 and 20, moving toward the Garsa/Kadanya area in Bayanruwa Den.

According to eyewitnesses, the fleeing bandits used a route through Galadi, Damaga, Rudunu, and Danbenchi. Some were reportedly seen near Rudunu, Bankamawa, and Farfaru under Faru District.

Makama said intelligence suggested that Turji and some of his men were at the Garsa/Kadanya hideout, hosted by Jummo Smally, a former rival of the fleeing bandit leader.

Earlier, Makama reported that two notorious bandit leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, surrendered their arms and released captives in Katsina State amid the ongoing military offensive.

According to Makama, the two bandit leaders, known for terrorising communities in Batsari and Safana local government areas of Katsina State, surrendered following intensified airstrikes and ground offensives under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.

“Security sources confirmed that the duo, known for orchestrating kidnappings and cattle rustling, decided to surrender after relentless airstrikes and ground offensives made their operations untenable,” Makama wrote.

He added that the bandit leaders handed over sophisticated firearms and released several hostages held in their camps. (The Guardian)