Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has accused two former governors from Northern Nigeria of contributing to the insecurity ravaging the region, particularly in the North-West.

In a viral video that surfaced on Tuesday, Turji alleged that past political leadership in Zamfara and Sokoto states laid the groundwork for years of violence. He claimed that former administrations armed vigilante groups, popularly known as Yan Banga, which he said disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and escalated the conflict.

Turji also confirmed that he participated in peace meetings with the Zamfara State Government during the tenure of a former governor. However, he strongly denied allegations that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement to take part in the talks.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” Turji said, insisting that his actions were not influenced by any political interest.

He specifically named former governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, calling for their arrest and investigation over what he described as their roles in the prolonged insecurity.
“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” he claimed.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful at press time, as calls and messages sent to them were neither picked nor returned.

However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, warning against placing credibility on the statements of a known terrorist.
“Why would anyone place a premium on the words of a terrorist?” one source queried. “He is only trying to present himself as a victim. It is all lies.”

Another source described Turji’s allegations as false, stating that “someone who has serially killed should not be believed.”

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

Turji’s comments followed accusations by a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, who alleged that the bandit leader collected ₦30 million during peace talks held at the Government House in Gusau.

Responding in the video, Turji dismissed the allegation as a lie, insisting that neither he nor any Fulani leader acting on his behalf received money or vehicles.
“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” he said.

According to him, the meetings with government officials were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace. He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during the negotiations by spreading what he described as false and malicious claims.

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

Security Forces Neutralise Notorious Bandit in Sokoto

Meanwhile, a joint team of security operatives has killed a notorious bandit, Kachalla Na’Allah, during an operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A security source confirmed that Na’Allah was shot dead on Friday during an interception between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages in Tsabre Ward. The operation was carried out by a combined team of Mobile Police, community guards, and the Nigerian Army.

Na’Allah was identified as a cousin of another notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Chimmo, believed to be operating in the Sububu Forest axis. The operation, the source said, dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in the state.

This development came days after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division neutralised another bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.

Commending the security agencies, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmad Usman (retd.), praised the sustained efforts and successes recorded in the ongoing fight against banditry in Sokoto State.