Security and intelligence expert, Yahuza Getso, has said that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is not in hiding, contrary to widespread belief, insisting that he could be arrested within 24 hours if the government shows genuine commitment.
Getso made the assertion on Monday during an interview on The Morning Brief, a programme aired on Channels Television.
According to him, Turji has remained at large despite repeated intelligence reports on his location being made available to the authorities at different times.
It was reported that Getso’s revelation comes against the backdrop of a fresh allegation by Turji over the weekend.
Turji allegedly claimed to have maintained a relationship with the current Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, and two former Northern governors, accusing the former governors of fueling insecurity in the country, especially in the North.
The bandit leader also alleged that he participated in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the administration of a former governor of the state.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Getso said: “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.
“First, I don’t think Turji affirmed a relationship with Matawalle in what he said. Although he admitted there was a dialogue, it was facilitated by a person who was later appointed as a Special Assistant.
“The question is: where is the intelligence? Bello Turji, in the new video released on Saturday, clarified that the animal feed 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 government under Matawalle, Tambuwal, Masari, Mallam Dauda Lawal, Dikko Rada, and others.
“A lot of allegations have been raised. 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.”
