The military on Tuesday has dismissed the Bello Turji captured rumour circulating on social media, noting that the Fugitive is still at large and troops have launched a covert operation to track him from his hiding place.
According to Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, “All news regarding the arrest of Bello Turji by troops should be treated as fake news, please.”.
In addition, the Coordinator Joint Media Coordinator Centre of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi in a press statement said the troops are actively pursuing the wanted terrorist Bello Turji, who remains at large, evading capture by moving from hideout to hideout.
“We assure the public that our troops are working tirelessly to apprehend him as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
“We deeply appreciate the public’s concern regarding this matter and urge locals to continue their support and cooperation by reporting any information that may assist in our efforts.”
He added that troops of 1 Brigade of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, have intercepted a cache of arms in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, conducted on 27 January 2025, was based on intelligence regarding suspected arms dealers operating from the Niger Republic.
The troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, resulting in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road. The suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush but were forced to abandon it after being engaged by the troops.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the following items: two PKT machine guns, nine AK-47 rifles, thirteen magazines, one hundred and seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and nine rounds of PKT ammunition.
