From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The North-West Women Development Forum (NWDF) has appealed to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, to lay down his arms and embrace peace, as security forces intensify operations against criminal gangs in the North-West.
The call was made on Friday in Abuja during a special prayer session organised by the group for peace in the region, the country, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The forum also commended the military for killing Turji’s top lieutenant, Kallamu Buzu, during an operation by troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force of Operation Hadarin Daji in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Buzu and several others were reportedly killed during the operation. Media reports indicated that Turji was deeply affected by the development and had threatened reprisals, allegedly blaming another lieutenant for security lapses that led to Buzu’s death.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Public Relations Officer of NWDF, Salamatu Bello, praised the Armed Forces for what she described as sustained efforts to dismantle bandit networks in the region.
She said the women gathered to pray for divine intervention and lasting peace in the North-West, while also supporting troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
“We cannot continue like this. We have come together to pray for our region, the entire country and the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede,” she said.
She added, “We are also praying for the repose of the souls of our gallant troops who are making sacrifices for the nation. As mothers, we appeal to Bello Turji to surrender before it is too late.”
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has also commended the military for the successful operation.
The governor’s aide on security, Ahmed Usman, praised the professionalism and courage of the troops, saying their swift response prevented what could have been a tragic incident.
“The state government deeply appreciates this effort and acknowledges the consistent sacrifices being made by our security forces,” Usman said.
He urged the military to sustain the momentum and intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.