A social media post predicting the imminent demise of a notorious bandit leader has ignited widespread discussion online, coming in the wake of recent US military action in northern Nigeria.
Viral Prediction Follows US Military Strikes
The controversy began after US President Donald Trump ordered precision strikes on multiple ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State. Following the attack, which occurred in late December 2025, a Nigerian social media user known as @OgbeniDipo made a bold declaration about the fate of a high-profile wanted terrorist.
In a post that quickly gained traction, the individual directly named Bello Turji, a figure described as extremely dangerous and wanted by authorities. OgbeniDipo wrote: “With USA’s precision strikes against ISIS in Sokoto, Bello Turji will be killed very soon.”
Online Reactions Pour In
The prediction did not stop there. The user also made a pointed remark about the bandit's potential supporters, stating: “I hope his family members and supporters won’t tell us he is a fisherman once he gets blown apart.” This comment appears to be a jab at past instances where killed terrorists have been falsely portrayed as innocent civilians.
The post sparked a flood of reactions from other Nigerians on social media, revealing a spectrum of opinions on counter-terrorism strategy:
- @chris257066777 argued against killing, advocating for capture: "No, they must not kill him, they need to catch him alive... Hopefully he will expose the terrorist sympathizers and financiers in the government."
- @BrianChiedozie shifted focus to sponsors: "This is not right. Bello... is nothing to this terrorism. There are sponsors and sympathizers... they are the biggest threat."
- @ideebabatunde raised concerns about sovereignty: "...this strike tonight didn't 'sound' like a joint-military action... The Nigerian government... didn't break the news. It was Trump."
Broader Context of Security Operations
This public speculation occurs amidst a heightened security focus in Nigeria's northwest. The original US airstrikes targeted ISIS-affiliated camps, representing a significant external intervention in the region's ongoing conflict with banditry and terrorism.
In a related development, a Nigerian soldier recently went viral expressing his resolve to fight terrorists following the US action. Meanwhile, a separate report noted a pastor's call for the arrest of prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his comments on the Sokoto airstrikes.
The online discourse highlights the complex public sentiment surrounding security, external military involvement, and the urgent desire for an end to the violence plaguing communities in Sokoto and neighboring states.
