The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted widespread reports claiming that notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has surrendered to the Nigerian military.

In a statement on Thursday, the DHQ described the reports as false and urged members of the public to disregard them.

The clarification comes after counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama posted on his X handle on Wednesday that Turji had surrendered to the Nigerian Army.

Makama’s post also recounted a recent attack allegedly carried out by Turji’s men. According to him, a group led by a senior Turji lieutenant, identified as Kallamu, stormed a community on Tuesday evening, firing indiscriminately to instill fear.

“They came in large numbers, took away 16 people, killed one man, and rustled several livestock. They also shot three people who are now receiving treatment at a hospital in Sokoto,” a resident was quoted as saying.

The attack reportedly took place despite ongoing claims of peace talks between Turji’s group and certain government mediators. Security sources maintain that Turji has used such negotiations as a cover to regroup, rearm, and expand his influence.

“Bello Turji cannot be trusted because, even during dialogue, his men continue to attack, abduct, and kill,” one source told Makama.

Intelligence reports cited in Makama’s post indicate that Turji’s network remains active in the Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo areas, with many of his fighters involved in cross-border trafficking between Nigeria and Niger Republic.