DHQ refutes ‘peace deal’ with notorious bandit Turji, insists ‘he is a fugitive’
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has flatly denied claims that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surrendered under a peace agreement brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.
During a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, asserted that Turji is still at large and is being actively pursued by security forces. “Bello Turji has not surrendered. We are hot on his trail and are not aware of any deal with any cleric,” Kangye stated.
Turji, who is known for terrorising communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states, is suspected of masterminding numerous deadly attacks in the North-West.
Last month, a group of northern Islamic clerics, led by Sheikh Musa Yusuf, claimed to have met with Turji and other armed leaders in the Fakai forest of Shinkafi Local Government Area.
READ ALSO: Bello Turji’s gang defies peace deal, abducts 16, kills 1 in fresh Sokoto attack
According to Yusuf, the meeting resulted in a temporary peace deal, the release of 32 kidnap victims, and the surrender of some weapons.
However, the DHQ has dismissed these claims, stating they are unverified and do not represent any official government negotiation.
Kangye also addressed recent reports from Amnesty International, which accused Nigerian troops of extrajudicial killings in the Southeast.
He called the allegations baseless, stressing that “the military is not engaged in any extrajudicial killing in the southeast. People must understand that not every video or claim online represents the truth.”
READ ALSO: Bandit kingpin Bello Turji agrees to peace pact, releases hostages in Zamfara
Regarding recent protests by some retired military personnel, Kangye clarified that only a few individuals participated.
He noted that the Military Pensions Board, the DHQ, and the Minister of Finance have since met with the veterans to address their concerns.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, added that the Chief of Defence Staff recently met with a five-man committee established by the Ministry of Defence to work on improving veterans’ welfare.
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