CDS Musa confirms progress in Ekpa extradition
…vows to capture terror leader Turji
By Kunle Sanni
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the Federal Government has submitted key documents to Finland to expedite the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator and secessionist.
Ekpa, who was arrested by Finnish authorities on November 21 for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media, remains in custody.
Speaking during a year-end review programme on Channels Television, General Musa expressed confidence in the ongoing legal process.
“Well, I’m sure he is cooling off somewhere. Legal action is going to be taken accordingly. I don’t want to say much about that, but I’m happy he has been arrested,” Musa said.
“The Federal Government has forwarded most of the required documents to the Finnish Government, so I’m sure the right thing will be done.”
In the same interview, Musa pledged that the military would apprehend Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader responsible for terrorising communities in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
Musa outlined the military’s recent successes, including the elimination of Turji’s commanders and the arrest of several associates.
He noted that Turji has been operating covertly as military operations intensify.
“Since he knows we’ve been after him, he has been operating underground. What we have been doing is picking everyone close to him—those giving him support in one way or another. We have arrested them, and we have neutralised his commanders. It’s just a matter of time,” Musa stated.
Over 120,000 Terrorists Surrender in North-EastThe defence chief also highlighted significant progress in counterinsurgency efforts in the north-east, revealing that over 120,000 terrorists have surrendered to authorities.
Musa explained that many of the surrendering insurgents had been coerced into joining terrorist groups.
He further disclosed ongoing efforts to identify the masterminds behind the insurgency and distinguish them from individuals forced into criminal activities.
“We are working to separate those who were forced into these crimes from the real perpetrators. Those responsible for masterminding these acts will be brought to justice,” he assured Nigerians.
