A recently released video features three Nigerian soldiers challenging Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader known for numerous violent attacks in northern Nigeria. The soldiers voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of orders from higher-ups to pursue Turji, and instead, issued a direct challenge for him to come out of hiding and face them.
In the video, spoken mainly in Hausa, one soldier said, “Since they have refused to order us to come for you, come out from your hideout and let’s face each other and see what happens.”
The soldiers also questioned Turji’s courage, saying, “Bello Turji, if you think you’re truly a man and the son of your mother, come out and face us.”
They condemned Turji’s actions and pleaded with him to cease harming civilians: “For Allah’s sake, stop kidnapping and killing civilians; they are innocent.”
Recalling their past achievements, the soldiers referenced their experience defeating Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Borno State, stating, “Before now, we didn’t know what a soldier or a gun was, and we eliminated Boko Haram. Now that we are soldiers and know how to use guns, Bello Turji, you are mad.”
They reiterated their challenge, highlighting that both sides are armed: “You have a gun, and we have guns too. Come out from your hideout and let us face each other.”
The soldiers concluded with a final taunt, arguing that Turji’s attacks on civilians reveal a lack of true bravery: “If you’re kidnapping and killing innocent civilians, you’re not man enough. Leave them and come face us.”
In related news, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa arrived in Sokoto State on Tuesday. This visit aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive. Upon arrival, they held a closed-door meeting at the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army.
