Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former northern governors of fueling insecurity in the North, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
In a viral video that surfaced on Sunday, Turji alleged that past administrations in the two states laid the foundation for the prolonged security crisis by arming vigilante groups, known as Yan Banga, which he claimed targeted Fulani communities and escalated violence.
Turji also confirmed that he participated in peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor but denied allegations that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement to join the talks.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful, as calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them were not returned as of press time. However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, insisting that statements made by a terrorist should not be taken seriously.
One of the sources described the allegations as lies, saying Turji was attempting to portray himself as a victim, while another insisted that the bandit leader’s claims were false and misleading.
The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also declined to comment on the allegations.
In the video, Turji specifically called for the arrest and investigation of the former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states over what he described as their roles in the crisis. He denied acting on behalf of any politician or interest group, insisting that he and his associates were not backed by any political figure.
Although he did not address reports of recent negotiations with the Federal Government, Turji said his comments were a personal defence, adding that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”
Despite his claims, security agencies have repeatedly identified Turji as one of the most dangerous bandit leaders operating in the North-West, and the military has previously declared him wanted for terror-related activities.
The allegations followed accusations by a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, who was engaged by the Zamfara and Sokoto state governments to facilitate dialogue with bandit leaders. Kamarawa had accused Turji of collecting ₦30 million during a peace meeting at the Government House in Gusau.
Turji, however, dismissed the claim, insisting that neither he nor any Fulani leader acting on his behalf received money or vehicles during the peace process. He said the meetings were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace, and accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during the negotiations by making false claims.
Meanwhile, security operatives have killed another notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Na’Allah, during a joint operation in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A security source said Na’Allah was shot dead on Friday by a combined team of Mobile Police, community guards and the Nigerian Army during an operation between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages in Tsabre Ward.
Na’Allah was identified as a cousin of another notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Chimmo, believed to be operating in the Sububu Forest area. The source described the operation as a major step in weakening bandit networks in Sokoto State.
The development came days after troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division neutralised another bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmad Usman (retd.), commended the security agencies for their sustained efforts and successes in the fight against banditry in the state.
