WE’RE READY FOR PEACE TALKS OR WAR WITH GOVERNMENT — BANDIT LEADER BELLO TURJI

 WE’RE READY FOR PEACE TALKS OR WAR WITH GOVERNMENT — BANDIT LEADER BELLO TURJI

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly declared that his armed group is willing to engage in negotiations with the Nigerian government but remains prepared for armed confrontation if military operations against his network continue.

The development emerged after a video believed to feature the wanted bandit kingpin began circulating widely on social media, with the recording dated June 20, 2026.

In the video, delivered in Hausa language, the masked individual believed to be Turji appeared alongside heavily armed men dressed in military-style camouflage and claimed responsibility for recent attacks targeting security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

According to the speaker in the video, the attacks were carried out in retaliation against individuals allegedly accused of killing members of their communities and confiscating livestock in affected areas.

He referenced communities including Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, alleging that security operations had led to the deaths of innocent civilians and the seizure of cattle belonging to their group.

The suspected bandit leader further claimed that his fighters had successfully launched counterattacks against those involved in the operations.

In the recording, he stated that his group remains open to dialogue if authorities choose peaceful negotiations.

He, however, warned that if the government continues military offensives, his fighters are equally prepared to continue armed resistance.

The statement comes days after reports of a deadly ambush along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected terrorists reportedly attacked security personnel responding to a distress call.

Security sources alleged that an Improvised Explosive Device detonated during the operation, reportedly killing at least four soldiers, although military authorities have not officially confirmed the casualty figures.

The attack was said to have occurred near Bargaja village, an area security analysts say has witnessed increasing armed group activity in recent months.

Reports further indicated that after the explosion, gunmen engaged security operatives in a gun battle, while a security vehicle was allegedly set ablaze during the confrontation.

Security insiders had earlier raised concerns that intelligence warnings regarding suspicious armed movements around the Isa–Bargaja corridor were not acted upon promptly, potentially leaving personnel vulnerable to the ambush.

Turji’s latest remarks are also coming amid reports of increased activities by armed groups operating within border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Intelligence reports have recently pointed to gatherings and weapons training exercises involving fighters believed to be loyal to the notorious bandit leader.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities have not officially responded to the video or the claims made in the recording.

Independent verification of the statements contained in the video, including the alleged casualty figures and operational details, has not yet been confirmed.

Bello Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted criminal figures and has repeatedly been linked by security agencies to kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling, and violent attacks across several communities in Nigeria’s North-West region.

His latest comments are expected to heighten concerns over the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the affected states.