Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the government.
The development was revealed in a video circulating on social media, reportedly recorded on June 20, 2026. In the footage, a masked man believed to be Bello Turji appeared alongside armed men dressed in military-style camouflage, speaking about the ongoing violence in parts of the North-West.
In the video, Turji alleged that some communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State had been attacked and had their livestock seized. He claimed that members of his group carried out retaliatory attacks against those they accused of targeting their communities.
Addressing the prospect of peace talks, Turji said, “If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation.” However, he warned that his group was equally prepared for continued confrontation, adding, “If they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes.”
