Bandits kingpin Turji refutes claim of top commander Baleri’s capture

Security tensions in the Northwest region have escalated as the notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, has vehemently denied claims by Nigeriens authorities regarding the capture of one of his top commanders, Kachalla Baleri.

In a newly surfaced video posted on X by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama on Thursday, Turji directly addressed the purported arrest of Baleri by Niger Republic troops during Operation Faraoutar Bushiya on May 28.

Presenting Baleri alongside him, Turji defiantly stated, “You claimed you killed Baleri or captured him. This is Baleri. Here he is if you want to apprehend him.”

According to the report, the alleged capture of Baleri was initially reported by the chief of the tactical staff of Operation Faraoutar Bushiya, Colonel Mohamed Almoctar Seydou Niandou.

According to Niandou, Baleri was apprehended around 1 pm, approximately 10 km east of Tankama, while meeting with his men and planning attacks in Nigeria and Niger.

Niandou said Baleri’s infamous reign was brought to an end stating, “The Governor of the region, CGP Issoufou Mamane, and the Prosecutor of the Republic, Adamou Abdou Adam, commended the professionalism and commitment of the troops deployed on the ground during a presentation ceremony for the criminals.

“They said the arrest marks a significant achievement in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the region,” he stated.

However, Turji’s denial has cast controversy, further worsening the complex security situation in the region.

Zagazola’s report shed light on the potential confusion surrounding the identity of the purported Baleri.

“There are about three individuals known as Baleri in the Northwest region. One is in Zamfara and was a top commander of Bello Turji, while the other two are based in Katsina state,” Zagazola explained.