Nigerians Await Action from CDS on Terrorist Leader Bello Turji, Says Group

Nigerians are still awaiting decisive action from the Chief of Defence Staff on the situation concerning terrorist leader Bello Turji, according to a local group. Learn more.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has been encouraged to fulfill his recent promise to hold terrorist leader Bello Turji accountable.

This reminder is issued by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a prominent civil society organization, urging the Defence Chief to make sure his promises extend beyond mere public or media declarations.

HURIWA voiced its backing for the employment of international military contractors to aid Nigeria’s armed forces in effectively combating terrorism.

The organization highlighted the necessity of enlisting skilled fighters, potentially from nations such as South Africa or the United States, to assist the military in defeating terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, armed herders in North West Nigeria, and bandit groups active in North Central Nigeria.

This follows the assurance given to Nigerians by the CDS almost a month ago that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji’s days were limited.

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During a visit to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, General Musa announced the successful elimination of Kachalla Halilu Sububu, another notorious bandit leader in Western Zamfara.

HURIWA reminded the Defence Chief of his previous declaration and urged the military to maintain its momentum in combating terrorism. The group stated, “Nigerians are eagerly anticipating tangible outcomes after General Musa’s definitive statement about capturing Bello Turji, one of the most perilous terrorist masterminds.”

In a press statement, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, remarked that when a senior military officer announces imminent action against a terrorist leader, Nigerians anticipate swift progress. Nearly a month has passed since General Musa made such claims; however, there have been no substantial outcomes. Our question remains straightforward: Where is Bello Turji?

Onwubiko stated, “The Nigerian people seek action rather than mere rhetoric, expecting decisive operations from the military instead of political posturing.”

HURIWA expressed support for Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume’s suggestion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should hire military contractors to eliminate the remaining Boko Haram elements in Borno State. While praising the efforts of the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), Ndume highlighted their shortage of necessary equipment needed to complete this mission. He also mentioned that major global powers such as the United States, Russia, and France frequently employ military contractors during warfare.

Ndume suggested that governments globally engage military contractors for particular missions. He proposed that President Tinubu might consider them as a temporary solution to collaborate with the nation’s military and Joint Task Force, who know the terrain well. These contractors, equipped with advanced technology, could swiftly neutralize both Boko Haram insurgents and bandits.

HURIWA expressed similar concerns, highlighting a recent Boko Haram assault in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. This attack led to the deaths of six farmers and the kidnapping of five individuals, including women. Additionally, Jubril Dada Zarana, the local Civilian JTF commander, was killed during this incident.

The rights organization highlighted that involving private military contractors could potentially transform the prolonged fight against terrorism in Nigeria, particularly as farmers persistently face assaults from terrorists, further endangering food security nationwide.