Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist leader, has issued a chilling threat to residents of Zamfara and Sokoto States, accusing them of aiding the Nigerian military in capturing his key lieutenants.
In a video released on Christmas Day, Turji vowed to make 2025 a year of violent reprisals if his demands for the release of his “brothers” were not met, specifically targeting residents of Shinkafi, Isa, and Zurmi.
His threats come after the Nigerian military’s announcement on December 20 that it had captured top members of his network, including Bako Wurgi, Abubakar Muhammad, and Hamisu Sale, in an operation.
While the military claimed that Wurgi died from gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight, Turji denied the reports, claiming the arrests were made in markets and hospitals, and that the detainees were elderly and innocent.
Turji further warned that any community that failed to comply with his demands would face increased violence, including kidnappings and destruction.
“Any town that fails to obey our directives, we are going to turn it into rubble,” Turji threatened.