Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader, has apparently freed everyone who was detained by his organization in a startling turn of events.

Zagazola Makama, a specialist in counterterrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, verified the surprising move on Tuesday.

This release coincides with increased military operations to apprehend Turji and destroy his criminal organization in Zamfara State and the surrounding areas.

According to Makama, Turji’s decision to free the captives is directly tied to the mounting pressure from the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly through ongoing operations such as Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Forest Sanity.

Recent airstrikes and ground offensives targeting Turji’s hideouts in Fakai, Shinkafi, and surrounding areas have dealt significant blows to his group, forcing them into retreat.

This development marks a pivotal moment in the battle against banditry in the region, as military forces continue to intensify their efforts to neutralize Turji’s operations.

Makama added: “The release of the captives is being seen as a strategic move by Turji to avoid further escalation or a direct confrontation with security forces who have been closing in on him.

“The troops have vowed to get him whether dead or Alive.”

Pastor arrested for allegedly defiling his biological daughter

A pastor has been detained by Akwa Ibom State police for defiling his own daughter, 14, since she was 12.

A serial sexual assaulter of adolescent girls has also been apprehended and will go to trial, according to DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer for Akwa Ibom State Command, who briefed the media Monday in Uyo on the Command’s operational successes from the previous week.

While admitting to the unsightly behavior, the suspect on display at the State Police Command headquarters attributed the strangeness to the “devil.”

“We have arrested one Louis Akpojotor Mevoweoyo ‘m’, a pastor from Ughelli North LGA, residing in Ibiono Ibom, for defiling his daughter (name withheld), said DSP John.

“Investigations revealed the suspect had been sexually assaulting the victim since she was 12 years, the latest incident occurring in December 2024. The suspect will also be prosecuted.

“Operatives of the Command also arrested one Daniel Effiong Umoh a.k.a. Akaka ‘m’, aged 32, of Abak Itenghe, Abak LGA, for defiling a girl (name withheld).

“The suspect, armed with a machete, dragged the victim into the bush where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. Investigations revealed a history of sexual assault by the suspect on other teenage girls. He will not escape the full weight of the law.”

In two child theft cases, she further disclosed, “On 14/01/2025, operatives of the Command, arrested one Roseline Dennis ‘f’ and Sunday Udo Ekong ‘m’, both of Ikwen village, Obot Akara LGA.

“The suspects abducted two children (names withheld), aged 4 and 2, both pupils of St. Joseph Catholic School, Ikot Ofon Ikono. Investigations revealed suspects planned to transport the victims to Umuahia, Abia State, to sell. Victims were rescued and reunited with their families, suspects to face prosecution.

“Another set of suspected child traffickers from Abia state by names one Okwondu Nkpurunna ‘f’, one Vivian Izima Chamdin ‘f’, one Okozie Amarachi ‘f’, and one Christina Emmanuel Onyechi ‘f’ have been arrested.

“They were caught trafficking two children (names withheld), ages 11 and 12 from Ikot Edibom Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, and Mkpatak Village, Essien Udim LGA, respectively. The victims, rescued unhurt in Abia State, will soon be reunited with their families while suspects will be charged to court.”

The State Police Command also paraded additional suspects who had been arrested for a variety of suspected offenses, including illegal firearm possession, damage, theft of electricity assets, robbery, and trafficking of hard drugs. Those who were apprehended will go to trial.

Residents of Akwa Ibom were reassured by the Command that the State’s police, led by CP Baba Mohammed Azare, are dedicated to providing them with better protection and services.

Notorious Bandit kingpin surrenders to Nigerian Army

In a significant development, two infamous bandit leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, have laid down their arms and released their captives to the Nigerian Army following a series of intense military operations in Katsina State.

The handover took place on January 19 in the town of Batsari, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing fight against banditry in northern Nigeria.

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the two leaders, who had been operating in the Batsari and Safana local government areas, voluntarily surrendered their weapons and hostages after a concerted military push under Operation FASAN YANMA.

The post described the handover as a significant step in curbing the violence and criminal activity that has plagued the region for years.

“This marks a pivotal move towards dismantling banditry and restoring peace to the affected communities,” the statement read.

During the handover ceremony, attended by military officials and other relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency, the bandit leaders handed over four AK-47 rifles and freed 15 hostages. The captives included three men, eight women, and four children, all of whom are now under the care of local authorities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Army clarified that the surrender was not part of a peace negotiation but a vital action in the ongoing efforts to completely disarm bandits and end the cycle of abductions and violence.

The weapons, which were confirmed to be in good condition, have been secured by the 17 Brigade for further processing.

This latest development represents a significant victory in the Nigerian military’s ongoing operations to stamp out banditry and restore security to the northwest.

With the release of the captives and the seizure of weapons, officials are hopeful that this move will encourage further surrenders and help bring lasting peace to the region.