Social media is buzzing with reactions after the Nigerian Defence Headquarters dismissed widespread reports claiming that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji had been captured.
The Trumpet earlier reported that the Defence Headquarters refuted these claims, branding them as fake news. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, urged the public to disregard any information suggesting Turji’s arrest, emphasizing that he remains at large. This clarification comes at a time of intensified military operations in Zamfara State, a region where Turji and his gang have unleashed terror for years.
Public reactions to the denial have been filled with skepticism, frustration, and suspicion, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s handling of security matters.
A user, @Edosignature, expressed strong doubts about Turji’s continued freedom, alleging that corrupt elements within the military, police, and government are shielding him. “Bello Turji remains at large because his corrupt cronies in the military, police, government, religious, traditional, & civilian population are protecting him from justice,” he wrote.
Another user, @Emmygozie, suggested that Turji may have been quietly released, implying high-level interference in his supposed arrest. “Something fishy. He might have been released back into the wild. Maybe calls have been placed in high places for him to be released and tag his arrest a rumor,” he stated.
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Criticism of the government’s security narratives also surfaced. @okonkwo_ubah slammed what he called deceptive claims about military victories over terrorism. “A country built on lies and deceitful political maneuvering—claiming ‘we have decimated Boko Haram, stamped out bandits, and exterminated kidnappers’—but in reality, far from the truth, cannot stand the test of time! That’s leadership in Nigeria,” he wrote.
Echoing public frustration, @Abdool_lahi insisted that Nigerians are not just expecting Turji’s arrest but his complete elimination. “Not the news of arresting Bello Turji we were eager to hear. We are all waiting for our brave troops to eliminate him,” he said.
The wave of outrage highlights growing impatience among Nigerians over the government’s failure to end banditry. Many are demanding that the military take decisive action against Turji, rather than issuing statements that only fuel doubts and conspiracy theories.