Notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with him to end the cycle of violence and insecurity plaguing parts of Zamfara State and neighbouring regions.
In a viral video released on Thursday, Turji directly accused Islamic cleric, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada, of deceiving the public by dismissing reports of ongoing peace talks between the government and the armed group he leads.
Addressing Nigerians in Hausa, Turji stated that talks were ongoing to ensure that farmers and herders could coexist peacefully and go about their businesses without fear of violence or harassment.
He criticised those who, according to him, use religion to mislead the public and make inflammatory remarks against state and national leaders.
The bandit leader alleged that such individuals were motivated by financial gain, attempting to provoke renewed violence for their benefit.
Turji also dismissed claims that security forces had killed 170 members of his group, challenging those making the allegations to provide evidence.
Turji said, “My fellow Muslims, I greet you with the greeting of Islam. I hope you are all in good health and strength. I am here again. I don’t need to mention my name because you all know me. However, for those who don’t, my name is Muhammadu Bello Turji. This video is being made on August 7, 2025. Insha Allah, we wish everyone all the best.
“My fellow people, we are here to correct the false information being spread by some people who, while sitting in their offices or rooms, are claiming that the government is not negotiating with us.
“We have never insisted that the government must negotiate with us or not. What we are calling for is peaceful coexistence—farmers, herders, and traders should all be able to go about their work without fear.”
Responding to Bello Asada’s claims, he said, “Some people who do not fear God are using religion to deceive others. They sit in their rooms and lie to the public that no negotiations are taking place. They insult the Governor of Sokoto and President Tinubu.
“By the grace of God, who created us—if God intends to take our lives, He can do so in a single day. And if He intends to keep us alive, He will.
“You have been lying and insulting for three years, saying that Bello Turji should be arrested, and yet you call yourself a man of God. You should fear God. This is not how Islam is practised; Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never insulted anyone while preaching. Even if we have limited religious knowledge, we still have intellect and understanding.”
“Do not be ignorant and completely illiterate. Every day you say there are no negotiations with us, and every day you tell security agencies that Bello Turji’s Commander has called you. Tell us—where did you get the commander’s contact? Surely, you yourself are a liar and a thief,” the bandit leader said.
Turji said, “Since you have no family working with the security agencies, and you are not part of the Nigerian Army or police, you cannot capture us, nor do you have the power to send anyone to do so.
“I even heard someone in Shinkafi claiming that 170 of my members have been killed. Who counted them for you?
“We understand your intentions—you want to provoke us into violence so that you can benefit financially. You are only after money, and that is why you lie that the government is not negotiating with us.”
While the Zamfara State Government has yet to issue an official statement in response to Turji’s claims, the video marks a rare direct admission from the wanted bandit leader about ongoing contacts with authorities—a sensitive and controversial subject in Nigeria’s fight against armed groups in the North West.
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