Soldiers storm Zamfara as bandits N30m levy expires

The operatives of the Nigerian Army has stormed Moriki town, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State as the deadline for payment of a N30 million levy imposed by notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has elapsed.

The levy was imposed after over 100 of Turji’s cows were allegedly killed by military personnel three weeks ago.

To boost security, additional soldiers have been deployed to the area, alongside personnel from the state’s Community Protection Guards (CPG).

“We are happy because the presence of security personnel gives us a kind of relief,” Aminu Musa, a resident said of the deployment of security operatives. “The leader of the troop had assured us of adequate protection of our lives.”

However, Iliyasu Ali, another resident, expressed concern about the bandits’ capabilities.

“They are carrying more sophisticated weapons than the military. So, our people are in serious panic as the deadline for the payment of the levy ends today.”

Recall that the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, recently declared that Turji’s days are numbered, announcing a manhunt for the bandit.

Musa made the declaration while briefing journalists on the military’s operations across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Turji’s capture is imminent,” he said.

He added, “On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

“We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

“That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening.

“Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

“You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniforms, you don’t know them, but they know you.

“And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult.”