The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has denied reports that troops captured notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

DHQ said Nigerians should disregard news of troops arresting Bello Turji because it is fake.

This was contained in a terse statement signed by DHQ Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba.

According to Buba: “BELLO TURJI: All news regarding the arrest of Bello Turji by troops should be treated as fake news, please.”

This comes as the Commander of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Opurum Timothy, described Bello Turji as a coward who is currently on the run due to the military onslaught in Zamfara

General Opurum reassured the military’s commitment to clearing bandits and restoring peace in Zamfara State and the Northwest region.

But Security Analyst and Counter-Insurgency Expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that Turji Bello was spotted in Kalage Forest in the Mashema region of Eastern Kagara, Zamfara State.

Makama said Turji was operating from the area alongside two of his key lieutenants, identified as Office and Ibrahim Buzu.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, had said Turji had signified interest in negotiating with the Nigerian military.