The Defence Headquarters has urged villagers in Sokoto State to disregard the N25 million levy imposed by notorious bandit kingpin, Turji Bello, assuring them of military protection.
The Chief of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, made this declaration on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television. He emphasized that the military was actively tracking Turji and that his elimination was imminent.
Turji has been in hiding since January after fleeing Zamfara State during a military operation targeting him. The military has labeled him a coward for abandoning his son and fighters during the assault.
However, last week, Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni Local Government, revealed that Turji had resurfaced in Sokoto, setting up a camp in the Isa Local Government Area and demanding a N25 million levy from villages.
Onumajuru dismissed Turji’s threats, urging residents to resist any extortion attempts. He reassured them that military personnel were on the ground to ensure their safety.
“Now, the communities need to believe that the Armed Forces are protecting them. When they believe that, it’s a question of calling anybody that asks you for protection money or ransom bluff because the Armed Forces are there to protect you,” Onumajuru stated.
He further stressed, “Do not accede to requests for protection levies in whatever form because we have troops ensuring farm security and allowing people to go about their normal activities.”
The defence chief reiterated that Turji remained in hiding and was being closely tracked by military forces.
Onumajuru urged Nigerians to be patient, explaining that eliminating high-profile bandits takes time due to their unpredictable movements. However, he promised that Turji’s reign of terror in the North-West would soon come to an end.