Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji has reportedly claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, while expressing the willingness of his gang to engage in dialogue with the government.
This flies in the face of recent remarks by Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Gumi, who stated that the corridor for negotiating with bandits has closed, warning that they will no longer listen to him or other Islamic clerics.
Gumi, who is well-known for previously visiting bandits in their forest hideouts for dialogue, faulted the decision of the Federal Government to declare bandits who were willing for talks as terrorists.
“The only door that was remaining was for us clergy to go in and negotiate with them, and that is now closed permanently,” he said in a video making the rounds on social media.
Bello Turji’s contradictory stance was expressed in a now-viral video which was recorded on June 20, 2026.
The video delivered in Hausa, featured a masked man believed to be Turji alongside armed individuals dressed in military fatigues as they spoke about ongoing clashes in parts of the North-West.
In the recording, the speaker alleged that some communities had been subjected to attacks and livestock seizures in areas including Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State.
“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,” the speaker said.
He further claimed that members of his group had carried out retaliatory attacks against those they accused of targeting their communities.
“Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations and driving away our livestock,” he stated.
The speaker also addressed the possibility of peace negotiations with authorities, saying his group was willing to engage in talks if the government pursued dialogue.
“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation,” he said.
He however stressed that the group was also prepared to continue armed confrontation if military operations persisted.
“But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes,” the speaker stated.
