The Nigerian Army has once again pledged its commitment to eradicating bandits and terrorists from the country. On Tuesday, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, reiterated this vow during the inauguration of the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Project at a healthcare centre in Kogi State. Lagbaja, represented by Major General O.G. Onubogu emphasised that they will not tolerate banditry in Kogi or any part of Nigeria.
Army’s Determination to Root Out Banditry
Speaking at the event, Lt. General Lagbaja stressed that the Nigerian Army is actively pursuing criminals who pose a threat to the peace of Kogi State. “We are on the lookout for bandits and terrorists who do not want the people of Kogi State to sleep,” he said, reaffirming the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the state’s residents. He assured that the army would continue to uproot criminal elements from the region.
A Call for Public Support
The Nigerian Army also called on citizens to actively support military operations against bandits. According to Lagbaja, rooting out evil requires collaboration between the military and local communities. “We urge Nigerians to support all activities so that together we can defeat our common adversaries and overcome all security challenges within the country,” he added, encouraging collective effort in the fight against insecurity.
Focus on Bandit Kingpin Bello Turji
The renewed military pledge comes a month after the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, vowed to capture notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji. Turji and his group have been terrorising states in the North-West region, including Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna. His network of militants has imposed illegal taxes on farmers in exchange for protection, escalating tensions in the region.
Turji’s Imminent Capture
During a previous briefing, CDS General Musa assured the public that they have numbered Turji’s days of freedom. “We are going to get him, and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue,” Musa said. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its efforts to capture Turji and neutralise his influence over the North-West region.
Strengthening Security Operations Nationwide
As the Nigerian Army ramps up its operations in both the North-West and Kogi State, the military leadership continues to push for robust cooperation between security agencies and civilians. With ongoing military intervention, the goal remains clear—to restore peace and stability across all troubled regions in Nigeria. Capturing criminals like Bello Turji is crucial in the larger effort to rid the nation of banditry.
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