The Nigerian Defence Headquarters issued a stern warning to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Zamfara State, declaring him a “dead man walking” and vowing his elimination along with other terrorist commanders by 2025. Turji had recently released a video challenging the military, accusing them of targeting civilians and demanding the release of his brother, Baka Wurgi, threatening further violence if his demands were not met. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Turji’s threats, refusing to engage in a war of words and emphasizing the military’s commitment to neutralizing him, citing the precedent of other terrorist leaders who met a similar fate. Buba reiterated that Turji’s demise was inevitable and that all terrorist commanders currently operating would be eliminated by 2025.
Regarding the controversial accidental bombing in Sokoto, the military responded to Amnesty International’s call for a detailed investigation to be submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation. Buba stated that the military would comply with the request only after Amnesty International honored their own invitation to discuss previous allegations leveled against the armed forces, which the military considered shocking, misleading, and unfortunate. Buba urged the public to disregard terrorist propaganda surrounding the Sokoto incident, emphasizing the terrorists’ predictable attempts to manipulate the narrative. He stressed that the bombing was directed at terrorist targets and that any contradictory information should be viewed with skepticism.
In a comprehensive review of the military’s operations throughout 2024, Major General Buba highlighted significant achievements in counter-terrorism efforts. He reported the elimination of over 1,000 terrorist commanders and combatants, including several notable figures such as Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, and others. These successes demonstrate the military’s ongoing commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and neutralizing key leaders.
Expanding on the overall impact of military operations, Buba disclosed that a total of 10,937 terrorists were neutralized, 12,538 arrested, and 7,063 hostages rescued during the year. These figures underscore the substantial progress made in combating terrorism and restoring security to affected regions. The military also recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, further weakening the operational capacity of terrorist groups.
The recovered arsenal included 8,815 weapons of various types, including 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 Dane guns, and 259 pump-action guns. The vast quantity of ammunition seized, totaling 228,004 rounds, further hampered the terrorists’ ability to conduct attacks. This comprehensive disruption of their logistical capabilities represents a significant victory in the fight against terrorism.
Beyond counter-terrorism operations, the military also addressed other security challenges, notably the rampant crude oil theft plaguing the nation. Buba reported the recovery of stolen crude oil valued at N68 billion and the arrest of 2,357 individuals involved in oil theft activities. These efforts aim to protect Nigeria’s vital oil resources and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for this economic sabotage. The military’s multi-faceted approach to security demonstrates their commitment to addressing various threats and maintaining stability across the country.
