Notorious Bandit Leader Bello Turji has confirmed an ongoing peace talks with Tinubu Government.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that wanted terrorist commander Bello Turji has released a new video message confirming that peace negotiations are underway between his camp and undisclosed authorities to halt violence and insecurity across Zamfara and neighboring North West states.
In the video, which surfaced online Thursday and was shared by counterinsurgency analyst Zagazola Makama on X (formerly Twitter), Turji stated the talks were aimed at achieving lasting peace between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers who have long been affected by recurring clashes and criminal attacks.
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“What we want is peace — peace that will enable Fulani herders and Hausa farmers to live without fear or oppression,” Turji said in Hausa.
The 31-year-old gang leader, wanted for numerous mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on security forces in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina, used the video to attack his vocal critic, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada, an Islamic cleric who recently dismissed any claims of negotiations involving Turji.
“You sit in the hall and on social media claiming there are no talks. If you’re brave, come and arrest me yourself,” Turji said, mocking the cleric.
As of press time, neither the Federal Government nor Zamfara State officials have publicly confirmed the existence of the talks. Previous dialogue initiatives with armed groups in the North West have faced widespread criticism and have largely failed to bring about long-term security.
Turji’s public reemergence and the claims of ongoing talks are likely to reignite debate over the government’s approach to counterinsurgency in the region.
