Key Points

• Bello Turji accuses two former governors of fueling insecurity in the North-West.

• He admits peace talks with Zamfara officials but denies receiving ₦30 million.

• Security forces kill another bandit leader in Sokoto during joint operation.

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has accused two former governors from northern Nigeria of fueling insecurity, particularly in the North-West, by actions he claims deepened violence in the region.

Speaking in a viral video that surfaced on Monday, Turji alleged that past political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states laid the groundwork for years of bloodshed.

He claimed their administrations armed vigilante groups, locally known as Yan Banga, which he said targeted Fulani communities and escalated reprisals.

Turji specifically named a former Sokoto State governor and a former Zamfara State governor, calling for their arrest and investigation over what he described as their roles in the crisis.

“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.

Peace Talks and Denial of Payoff

Turji confirmed that he took part in peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor. However, he denied claims that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement to participate.

He dismissed allegations made by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace negotiator engaged by both state governments, who accused Turji of collecting ₦30 million during talks held at the Government House in Gusau.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said in the video. “We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about.”

According to him, the meetings focused solely on reducing violence and restoring peace. He insisted neither he nor any Fulani leader acting on his behalf received money, vehicles, or other benefits.

Response From Former Governors

Efforts to reach the two former governors for comment proved unsuccessful. Phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages sent to their known contacts received no response as of press time.

However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims outright.

“Why would anyone place value on the words of a terrorist,” one source asked. “He is only trying to portray himself as a victim. Everything he said is false.”

Another source insisted Turji’s statements lacked credibility, pointing to his alleged involvement in repeated killings across the region.

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also declined to comment.

Turji Rejects Political Links

Turji sought to distance himself from any political influence, insisting he was not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said. “There is no human being backing us.”

He framed his remarks as a personal defense, adding that he spoke “before Allah alone.” He did not address reports of any recent negotiations with the federal government.

Despite his claims, security agencies have repeatedly identified Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West. The military previously declared him wanted for terror-related activities.

Security Forces Kill Another Bandit Leader

The allegations came as security forces recorded fresh gains against bandit networks in Sokoto State.

A joint team of Mobile Police officers, community guards, and the Nigerian Army killed a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na’Allah, during an operation in Isa Local Government Area.

A security source said the interception occurred between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages in Tsabre Ward.

Na’Allah was identified as a cousin of another feared bandit leader, Ibrahim Chimmo, believed to operate in the Sububu Forest axis.

The source described the operation as a major step toward dismantling bandit leadership structures in the state.

Continued Military Pressure

The development followed the recent killing of another bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman, praised the military and other security agencies for sustained successes against bandit groups.

Security officials said the operations reflect intensified efforts to weaken criminal networks responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and mass displacement across the North-West.