Turji

By Uzair Adam

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has claimed responsibility for an attack that left soldiers dead and others injured in Sokoto State.

The attack occurred on Saturday when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on a military vehicle carrying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area.

The soldiers were reportedly responding to a distress call after bandits attacked the village in the early hours of the day.

Residents said the assailants stormed the community between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing villagers to seek military assistance.

A resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that the attackers planted the explosive device along the Isa–Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.

In a video released after the incident, Turji expressed satisfaction over the attack, claiming that members of his group had successfully targeted those conducting operations against them.

He said his fighters had recovered livestock allegedly seized during security operations and described the development as a victory.

Turji further claimed that some of those involved in operations against his group in Isa, Sabon Birni and surrounding areas had been killed.

However, the claims contained in the video could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, fresh security concerns have emerged following allegations that Turji is expanding his fighting force and acquiring new weapons along the Sokoto–Zamfara border.

The allegations were made by Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, in a Facebook post on Saturday.

He claimed that Turji’s fighters were holding gatherings and conducting weapons training exercises in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja.

According to him, the group has acquired new weapons, some of which were allegedly used during recent clashes with security forces.

He also alleged that newly arrived fighters with suspected links to Boko Haram had joined the group to provide combat and weapons training.

Basharu further claimed that intelligence reports indicated that a night-vision device recently purchased by Turji was among the equipment delivered to his camp.

He also linked the movement of the weapons to two alleged bandit commanders, Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo.

The activist expressed concern over what he described as a growing alliance between Turji and Chimo, warning that it could strengthen bandit operations across eastern Sokoto and potentially lead to coordinated attacks on local government headquarters in the region.

Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared another video on Facebook which he claimed showed some of the newly acquired weapons in Turji’s possession.

He alleged that the footage was released by Turji on June 20 and was intended to showcase successes recorded against security forces operating along the Isa–Bargaja axis.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A well-known cleric, Musa Yusuf, popularly called Asadus-Sunnah, has revealed that terrorist leader Bello Turji has freed 32 people who were held hostage and promised to halt his group’s assaults on local farmers.

This followed a series of meetings between Turji and Islamic scholars in Zamfara State.Speaking during a religious event in Kaduna on Monday, Yusuf said the peace discussions were initiated in July and took place in the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

He explained that the clerics met with Turji and other key fighters including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila.

All the parties reportedly agreed to the peace terms.

According to him, “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process.”

Yusuf said the bandits released the arms in three separate batches and gave residents of Shinkafi access to farmland across the river leading to Turji’s camp.

He added, “We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”

As part of the agreement, Turji released 32 hostages.

Yusuf presented a video that showed the harsh conditions the victims endured before reaching the terrorist leader’s hideout.

He said the captives, which included women and children, spent nearly four months in captivity.

One woman reportedly gave birth during her time in the camp, while another was bitten by a snake.

Yusuf stated that the Shinkafi axis has since experienced relative calm.

Farmers are now working on their lands without fear of abduction.

He mentioned that while the talks had brought some relief to the area, negotiations were ongoing to convince Turji to commit fully to the peace plan.

However, the clerics chose not to demand a complete surrender of arms so as not to expose Turji to attacks from rival armed groups who are not part of the current discussions.

The cleric also cautioned religious figures who have been attacking Turji on social media. He warned that such actions could worsen the situation.

Yusuf acknowledged that the peace initiative would not completely end the insecurity in Zamfara, but pointed out that communities within Turji’s area of control are now enjoying some stability.

He praised President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting non-military approaches to resolving the region’s security crisis.

In a video released last October, Turji had insisted that true peace would remain out of reach in Zamfara until government forces and vigilantes stopped targeting Fulani communities.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” he said.

He also dismissed the political back-and-forth between Governor Lawal and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying neither was truly concerned about the people’s welfare.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, also known as Kacalla, has announced that the Nigerian Federal Government is initiating new peace negotiations with armed groups operating in the country’s troubled northwest region.

According to a statement reportedly delivered by Sheikh Murtala Assada of Sokoto via his official Facebook page, Turji stated he received a message from the government requesting him to inform his followers and other “concerned parties” of their readiness for reconciliation and peace.

Crucially, Turji emphasized that participation in the proposed talks would be entirely voluntary. “Anyone who feels they are not interested in the peace talks can continue their operations as bandits,” he was quoted as saying.

The bandit leader further relayed that he had been instructed to inform everyone involved and urged those unwilling to engage to declare their stance immediately.

“I do not want this to create tension or problems between me and anyone,” Turji added.

The message, now widely circulating online, has ignited discussions among communities and observers closely monitoring the protracted security crisis in Northern Nigeria. There has been no immediate official confirmation from the Federal Government regarding Turji’s claims.

By Uzair Adam

The Military High Command has labeled the notorious bandit and terrorist leader, Bello Turji, as a “dead man walking.”

Turji, infamous for his criminal activities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, remains one of the most wanted terrorist figures in North-western Nigeria.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reviewed the military’s 2024 efforts in counter-terrorism and banditry.

“Terrorists exist to perpetuate war, but they must be eliminated for peace to thrive. Our troops have maintained relentless pressure on terrorist enclaves, strongholds, and hideouts to hasten their defeat,” Buba said.

He disclosed that thousands of terrorists, including commanders and foot soldiers, were neutralized during the year.

“Bello Turji is a prime example. He is merely a dead man walking, and his end is inevitable, just like the others we have eliminated,” he added.

Buba went on to stated the military’s success against several high-profile terrorist leaders in 2024.

Among those neutralized were Halilu Sububu, Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mohammed Amadu, and Alhaji Baldu, alongside many others.

He further revealed that the sustained intensity of military operations had compelled numerous terrorists, including their families, to surrender.

The military, Buba assured, would continue to employ overwhelming force to defend the country and ensure lasting peace for Nigerians.

By Uzair Adam

The military high command has vowed to bring Bello Turji, one of the notorious bandit leaders terrorizing Zamfara State and parts of the Northwest, to justice for his crimes against humanity.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja that the military is determined to put an end to the levies being imposed by Turji and other terrorists on farmers.

He assured Nigerians that the days of the bandit leader are numbered, urging citizens to support the military’s efforts to restore peace.Gen.

Musa revealed that despite the bandits’ attempts to disrupt the lives of farmers, the military is working tirelessly to end these atrocities.

He also warned communities against supporting or providing information to the bandits, as doing so only prolongs the conflict.This declaration follows a recent visit by Gen.

Musa and other service chiefs to Sokoto, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, to intensify the fight against insurgency in the region.

The Chief of Defence urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to collaborate with security forces to ensure the success of ongoing military operations.