The Chief of Defence Staff has said that Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader who has been on military trail has indicated interest in surrendering.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, General Christopher Musa said military operations which have led to the killing of Turji’s son, his second-in-command and other fighters have put immense pressure on the bandit leader.

According to Musa, intense military operations against the criminals have overtime weakened Turji’s position as leader of the bandits.

The CDS also noted that since the military onslaught in the bandits’ hideout, Turji has been forced to release several hostages under his captivity.

Noting that while the militarytary has continued to gather top intelligence on the bandit leader, it has been difficult to track him down.

This, he said is because Turji barely spends time whenever he moves to a particular location.

“They (terrorists) are within the communities; the people know them. So, sometimes when they see them, before you get the information, it’s like two hours – the man has moved. So, when the information gets to you before you move, he has left that area.

“But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants, in fact, he is forced now to release most of the people under him.

“I am telling you that recently, he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything, he is ready to surrender,” Musa said.