Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acknowledged that he held meetings with officials from the Zamfara State government during the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who now serves as the Minister of State for Defence. The discussions were part of a peace initiative aimed at addressing rising insecurity in the state.
Turji rejected claims that he was paid ₦30 million during the engagement, describing the reports as false. He stated that he never received such funds and insisted that his involvement in the talks was not for personal gain. According to Turji, the meetings were intended to establish a truce and resolve ongoing conflicts, and he accused a former government-appointed mediator of spreading false claims about payments.
The bandit leader also pointed to past political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states, alleging that they contributed to insecurity in the region by arming groups and supporting vigilante activities that targeted Fulani communities. He called for investigations into these leaders, naming former governors and Ahmed Sani Yerima as responsible for violence and instability in their states.
Turji framed his actions as a response to perceived injustice and insecurity, maintaining that he was not acting on behalf of any political entity. He insisted that his group operates independently and is not influenced by politicians. Despite his involvement in violent acts across Zamfara and neighbouring states, Turji did not directly address specific allegations of attacks attributed to his group, presenting his statements as a personal defense.
Nigerian security agencies have repeatedly identified Turji as a major threat in the North-West, linking him to mass killings, kidnappings, and large-scale displacement. The military has declared him wanted for terror-related activities, yet Turji continues to assert that his actions are aimed at addressing insecurity rather than serving political interests.