An intelligence and security expert, Yahuza Getso, has asserted that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is not in hiding as widely believed and can be arrested within 24 hours if the Federal Government is serious about apprehending him.
Getso made the remark on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, adding that actionable intelligence on Turji’s whereabouts had been provided to authorities on several occasions, yet no arrest has been made.
The expert’s revelation comes on the heels of fresh allegations by Turji over the weekend, in which the bandit purportedly claimed to maintain a relationship with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and two former Northern governors.
Turji further accused former governors of fuelling insecurity in the country, particularly in the North, and claimed to have participated in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of its former governor.
Reacting to Turji’s assertions, Getso described the matter as one of national security, national integrity, and potential compromise within Nigeria’s intelligence and judicial systems.
“This is beyond Bello Turji and the Minister of State for Defence, and others already mentioned. This is a question of national security, national integrity, and issues of compromise,” he said.
Getso noted that Turji did not directly affirm a relationship with Matawalle but acknowledged some dialogue at an earlier time.
He said, “First, I don’t think Turji affirmed a relationship with Matawalle with what he said. Although he said yes, there was a dialogue, which was facilitated by the person later appointed as SA.
“The question is: Where is the intelligence? Bello Turji, in the new video released on Saturday, clarified that the animal food was not given to him for free, but that he purchased it.
“Where is our intelligence? Who facilitated the discussion? Who are the accomplices? They have been found in the government during Matawalle, Tambuwal, Masari, Mallam Dauda Lawal, Dikko Rada, and others.”
Getso also lambasted the judiciary and security agencies, saying that despite arrests purportedly having been made, no information has been shared about those detained or alleged to be involved.
“What is really happening with our intelligence and investigation? What is happening with the judiciary and those who have been named as accomplices? There are compromises and saboteurs on the side of the judiciary,” he said.
Addressing the security situation in Kwara State, Getso remarked, “When we look at the Kwara State situation, I’m not surprised about those who have been named already.”
He questioned the commitment of government authorities to responsible governance, suggesting that those implicated “would have been able to be fished out” if there were genuine resolve.
The expert stated, “I don’t believe that Bello Turji is the most wanted because he is not in any hideout.
He added that he had repeatedly provided information that could have facilitated Turji’s capture long ago, but insisted authorities “have never been serious about it.”