Wanted Bandit Leader Turji Offers Talks, Threatens War with Government

A video, said to feature the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji, has emerged and is now widely shared across social media. In the footage, the wanted figure asserts his group's responsibility for recent assaults targeting security personnel within various areas of Sokoto and Zamfara states. He also conveyed his group's readiness for dialogue with the authorities, alongside a clear warning of their preparedness for armed conflict.

The recording, spoken in Hausa and bearing the date June 20, 2026, shows a masked individual, widely presumed to be Turji, flanked by armed men clad in military-patterned camouflage. The speaker asserted that his combatants launched these attacks in response to what he described as the killing of their community members and the seizure of their cattle. He articulated, “Some people who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters, people who have done nothing wrong, in places such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Sabon Birni in Sokoto State and other surrounding areas.” Following this, he declared his group had indeed exacted revenge on those responsible, adding, “Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations and driving away our livestock. We killed them. May Allah help us to succeed in defeating them and in recovering our animals from their hands.”

Furthermore, the leader utilized the video platform to discuss potential peace discussions with state authorities. He signaled his readiness for negotiations, provided the government opts for a diplomatic approach rather than military engagement. He stated, “If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes.” Emphasizing his group’s resolve, he reiterated their unwavering stance on armed resistance, declaring, “We are ready for peace, but if they choose war, we are also ready. We will defend ourselves.”

The emergence of this video follows closely on the heels of a fatal assault that occurred along the Isa–Bargaja route within the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. In this incident, individuals suspected to be terrorists affiliated with Turji allegedly ambushed security forces who were responding to an emergency call. Reports from local and security sources indicate that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated during the operation, resulting in the deaths of at least four soldiers. However, military officials have not yet released an official confirmation of these casualties. This particular event reportedly took place near Bargaja village, an area that has experienced a significant escalation in terrorist actions over recent months.

Subsequent to the explosion, armed assailants reportedly clashed with security personnel, and a security vehicle was allegedly torched during the engagement. Prior to this, security intelligence sources had voiced apprehension that warnings regarding the movement of armed factions within the Isa–Bargaja corridor were not addressed with sufficient urgency, which may have left security personnel vulnerable to the ambush.

These recent assertions by Turji coincide with escalating reports of armed group operations in the border regions spanning Sokoto and Zamfara states. Intelligence reports from these areas recently highlighted gatherings and weapons training sessions involving combatants believed to be loyal to the infamous bandit kingpin. Despite the significant online attention garnered by Turji’s pronouncements, security agencies have refrained from issuing an official response to the video’s content. Crucially, the veracity of the claims made in the recording, including specific casualty numbers and operational specifics, remains unverified by independent sources. Turji continues to be listed among Nigeria’s most sought-after bandit leaders, with security agencies consistently connecting him to numerous incidents of abduction, homicide, cattle rustling, and other attacks across the North-West region. His recent declarations are anticipated to further heighten anxieties regarding the ongoing security predicaments confronting communities in this part of the country.