After Claiming Responsibility For Attacks On Security Operatives, Bandit Leader Turji ‘Seeks’ Peace

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states while declaring his willingness to engage in peace negotiations with the government.

The claim was made in a video circulating on social media, reportedly recorded on June 20, 2026.

In the footage, delivered in Hausa language, a masked man believed to be Turji appeared alongside several armed men dressed in military-style camouflage. He spoke extensively about ongoing clashes between his fighters and security forces across parts of the North-West region.

The speaker alleged that communities linked to his group had been subjected to attacks and livestock seizures in areas including Shinkafi local government area in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni LGA 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,” he said.

He further claimed that his fighters had launched retaliatory attacks against those allegedly targeting their communities.

“Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations and driving away our livestock,” the speaker stated.

The suspected bandit leader also addressed the prospect of peace negotiations, saying his group was open to dialogue if the government was willing to pursue such an option.

“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation,” he said.

However, he warned that his fighters remained prepared for continued confrontation should military operations against them persist.

“But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes,” he added.

Turji’s comments emerged days after a deadly attack along the Isa-Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected fighters loyal to him reportedly ambushed security personnel responding to a distress call.

According to local and security sources, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated during the operation, killing at least four soldiers, although military authorities were yet to officially confirm the casualty figure.

The incident occurred near Bargaja village, an area that has witnessed heightened terrorist activities in recent months.

Following the explosion, the attackers were said to have engaged security forces in a gun battle, while a security vehicle was reportedly set ablaze during the encounter.

Security sources had earlier expressed concern that intelligence reports warning of armed groups moving within the Isa-Bargaja corridor were not acted upon swiftly, potentially exposing the troops to the deadly ambush.

Turji’s latest claims also came amid reports of increased activities by armed groups operating in border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara States. Intelligence sources recently reported gatherings and weapons training exercises involving fighters believed to be loyal to the notorious bandit leader.