Bandit Leader Bello Turji Captures APC, Sparks Nigerian Military Response

Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader active in Nigeria’s North-West, has intensified his confrontation with the Nigerian military. 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 substantial cache of ammunition. This incident occurred near the Nigeria-Niger border in Sokoto State, highlighting the region’s ongoing security challenges.

The viral videos depict Turji‘s group not only seizing military hardware but also celebrating with displays of gunfire. This act of defiance has elicited mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some view it as a significant 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, “The terrorist Bello Turji posting a video of a captured armoured vehicle doesn’t make him a hero or less of a criminal,” and urged support for the Nigerian forces rather than demoralization.

In response, the Federal Government has taken decisive action. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, along with other military leaders, has been sent to Sokoto State to ramp up operations against Turji and his gang. Matawalle declared, “We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” signaling a robust counter-offensive.

Turji‘s use of social media for propaganda has further complicated the situation. Reports indicate that he and his associates are active on platforms like TikTok, spreading messages to gain support or create confusion. This digital strategy has spurred calls for better online content monitoring to prevent the spread of terrorist propaganda.

The capture of military equipment by Turji‘s gang has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current security strategies in the region. Critics argue that such incidents point to broader issues of inadequate response and intelligence failures. However, supporters highlight the challenges of combating guerrilla warfare in the rugged terrains of Zamfara and Sokoto.