…. Dismissed claims that notorious bandit’s leader has surrendered.
By AGATHA NWOKOCHA, Abuja
The DHQ also cleared the air over his surrender, insisting the wanted criminal remains on the run.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, told Defence reporters in Abuja on Thursday that the widely circulated claims were “unverified and misleading,” urging Nigerians to disregard them.
“Bello Turji has not surrendered, and our troops remain actively on his trail. The reports circulating lack credibility and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” he said.
Turji, feared for orchestrating deadly attacks and mass kidnappings in Zamfara and Sokoto states, was rumoured to have surrendered some weapons and freed 32 hostages under a peace deal mediated by Islamic clerics.
Kangye, however, stressed that no such deal has been recognized by the federal government and warned against amplifying social media reports that could undermine security operations.
He also rejected recent Amnesty International allegations of extrajudicial killings in the South-East, stating, “Accusations of extrajudicial killings are serious but must be supported with credible evidence. The military remains committed to lawful conduct.”
Addressing other issues, Kangye confirmed that protests by some retired soldiers over unpaid benefits involved only a small group and assured that the Military Pensions Board, the Defence Headquarters’ Chief of Accounts and Budget, and the Minister of Finance are working to resolve their grievances.
“This matter is being addressed, and mechanisms are in place to ensure veterans receive due attention,” he added, calling for continued public support for the Armed Forces.
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