A non-partisan advocacy group, the North-West Women Development Forum (NWDF), has called on notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to surrender and embrace peace, following the killing of his close associate, Kallamu Buzu, during a recent military operation in Sokoto State.
The women also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what they described as a decisive and professional operation that led to the neutralisation of Buzu and several other fighters in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force under Operation Hadarin Daji.
The call was made on Friday in Abuja after members of the forum held special prayers for peace in the North-West, the country at large, and for the safety of Nigerian troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
Speaking on behalf of the group, NWDF Public Relations Officer, Salamatu Bello, said residents of the region were encouraged by the military’s current approach to tackling banditry and terrorism. She noted that the women gathered not only to pray for lasting peace but also to express solidarity with the Armed Forces and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
According to her, prayers were also offered for soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as vital to restoring stability in the region.
“We cannot continue on this path of violence and fear,” Bello said. “As mothers and caregivers, we appreciate the calm but firm manner in which the military is confronting these criminals. We appeal to Bello Turji to lay down his arms and surrender before it is too late.”
Reports indicate that Turji was rattled by the death of Buzu and later issued threats of retaliation, allegedly blaming internal lapses among his lieutenants for the failed operation.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has also praised the Armed Forces for the successful mission. The governor’s security adviser, Ahmed Usman, described the operation as timely and effective, noting that it helped avert a potential attack on civilians.
Usman commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery, assuring them of the state government’s support while urging security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.