Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji is suspected to be hiding in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, according to security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
Makama, in a statement released on his X account reported that loyalists of Turji were seen traveling on motorcycles and carrying injured fellows. They were seen on January 19 and 20 as they moved toward the Garsa/Kadanya area in Bayanruwa Den.
Residents claimed the fleeing bandits traversed a route that included Galadi, Damaga, Rudunu, and Danbenchi. Additional reports suggest that some members of Turji’s group were spotted near Rudunu, Bankamawa, and Farfaru in the Faru District.
Makama alleged that Turji, along with some of his men, is currently being sheltered in the Garsa/Kadanya area by Jummo Smally, a former rival turned ally.
This revelation follows news of two other bandit leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, surrendering their arms in Katsina State.
Makama noted that the duo, who had terrorized Batsari and Safana Local Government Areas, laid down their weapons amid the Nigerian military’s intensified operations under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.
The military’s crackdown on bandit hideouts in the Northwest has reportedly disrupted key strongholds, forcing some bandits to flee or surrender.