The Nigerian military has labeled Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist commander, as a “dead man walking,” following his recent threats to attack Zamfara State communities unless his detained brother and associates are released.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, issued a statement on Wednesday, underscoring the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorists in the region.
He highlighted that, since the start of 2024, over 1,000 terrorist leaders, commanders, and their replacements have been neutralized during military operations.
Speaking about Turji’s threats, Major General Buba stated, “Bello Turji is merely a dead man walking. It will be insulting to try to join issues and words with a terrorist. Before him, there were other terrorists who boasted that they would deal with security forces.
Today they are all taken out. We will do the same with other terrorist leaders like him.”
He assured Nigerians that Turji and other remaining terrorist leaders would meet the same fate as their predecessors, emphasizing the military’s ongoing success in degrading terrorist groups and destroying their operational infrastructure.
Addressing skepticism surrounding the military’s recent Christmas Day bombing of terrorist enclaves in Lakurawas, Buba noted, “The first casualty of war is the truth. It is always the first casualty.
So it shouldn’t be surprising when terrorists or their collaborators are saying things contrary to what really happened, to what we say.” He urged Nigerians not to fall for terrorist propaganda aimed at undermining the military’s achievements.
“This is a Nigerian war for Nigerians,” Buba reiterated, calling for public trust and support in the military’s efforts to secure the nation. He also noted that the bombing campaigns had significantly weakened terrorist ammunition and logistics supplies, further destabilizing their operations.