Bello Turji Kachalla, also known as Turji, is a 30-year-old bandit and terrorist who is reportedly posing a threat to Nigeria’s northwest, specifically to the states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger. This information was reported by Vanguard. In contrast to the late Abubakar Shekau, the head of Boko Haram, who justified his acts as acts of Islamic jihad, Turji is a bandit warlord and gang leader who seeks control over ungoverned territories in North-West and North-Central Nigeria.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Turji is believed to have received support from corrupt politicians who aimed to destabilize the Goodluck Jonathan administration if Muhammadu Buhari lost the 2015 presidential election. After Buhari’s victory, these sponsors abandoned Turji, leading him to engage in cattle rustling and kidnapping for ransom. Over the past decade, he has built a well-armed group that terrorizes rural communities and attacks larger towns.
State governors have attempted to negotiate “amnesty” deals with Turji, but these efforts have repeatedly failed. As one governor stated, “Every time we reach an agreement, Turji breaks it after receiving payment.” Given this history, his recent video-recorded offer for “reconciliation” should be viewed with skepticism. “Criminals often make such offers when they feel pressure from military actions,” an analyst noted.
The editorial argues that Turji and his gang must face decisive action from the Nigerian military. “There is no justification for reconciliation with those responsible for countless deaths and ongoing insecurity,” it asserts. The piece calls for Nigerians to support the armed forces in eliminating these threats, emphasizing, “We must prioritize the safety of our citizens.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
