Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorist leaders, has said he is ready to surrender, according to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Musa disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
General Musa said recent military operations against Turji’s network has crippled his activities. His second in command and several of his lieutenants have been killed and his group is under intense pressure.
He said, this has forced him to release many hostages and is now thinking of laying down his arms.
The general mentioned that the military has been tracking Turji despite the challenges of his nomadic nature.
He said while the terrorists hide among the communities and it’s hard to pin point their location, the military’s strategies have been yielding results.
“They are within the communities, and the people know them,” Musa said. “Sometimes by the time we get information, hours have passed and Turji has moved. But we have still taken out his second in command and most of his top lieutenants.”
Musa also said the recent military pressure has made it difficult for Turji’s group to operate.
“Now he is releasing most of the people under him. Even recently he said he doesn’t want trouble and is ready to surrender,” Musa said.
While this is a progress in the war against terrorism, General Musa said justice must be served. He said those who perpetrate violence and kill innocent Nigerians must face the music, so their actions are not swept under the carpet in the name of peace.
It’s a tough war, military and solution to the problem of insecurity. As it is, we know pressure and justice must go together for peace to be permanent in the affected areas.