The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says wanted terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, is in a state of panic following the renewed military onslaught on terrorists in the North West.

Musa said this on the sideline of NAN’s maiden Annual International Lecture in Abuja on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

The CDS said the killing of Halilu Buzu and many other terrorist commanders had sent panic to the camp of Turji and his gang, adding that his latest actions were signs of panic.

He stated: “You can see from the action that he is taking, you will know that he is in a state of panic.

“He used to be emboldened to go and talk and talk as if he is the only one in charge.

“Now he knows he is not in charge. He knows it is a matter of time because Halilu Buzu who was killed was his master.

“So now that he knows his commander is gone, he knows he is next and so all that he is doing now is mere noise-making.”

We’ll get bandit leader Bello Turji soon, says CDS

Musa said the terrorist kingpin had already crossed the line, adding that while the military operations would continue, many of the terrorists would be neutralised.

According to him, insecurity is dragging for long because of poverty, illiteracy, and lack of good governance in general areas.

The CDS added: “So they have a large population of youths not doing anything.

“The more we take them out, more are joining them and then you remember, we have 1,500 kilometres border with Niger Republic.

“We have another border with Benin Republic and so a lot of people filter in and out within Nigeria.

“So efforts are being made to ensure that we secure those borders to deny them the ability to move in.”

The Star