Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, appears in new video, confirms peace talks, dares Islamic cleric

Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader operating in Nigeria’s North West, has appeared in a newly surfaced video confirming that peace negotiations are underway to address ongoing insecurity in Zamfara and surrounding states.

In the video released online on Thursday, Turji stated that the talks were intended to establish lasting peace and enable both farmers and herders to resume their livelihoods without fear or intimidation.

According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, Turji was quoted in Hausa as saying: “What we want is peace — peace that will enable Fulani herders and Hausa farmers to live without fear or oppression.”

The bandit leader also used the opportunity to criticize Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada, an Islamic cleric who recently dismissed reports of any dialogue between Turji and government officials.

Turji accused the cleric of misinforming the public, saying: “You sit in the hall (mosque) surrounded by people and on social media saying there are no talks. If you are brave, come and lead the security forces to arrest me yourself since that is what you always preach.”

There has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government or Zamfara State authorities regarding the ongoing negotiations. Past attempts at engaging bandit leaders in dialogue across the North West have faced repeated challenges and widespread public skepticism.

Turji remains one of the most wanted figures linked to violent crimes in the region, including mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on security operatives across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.