Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has reportedly declared that his group is open to negotiations with the government while remaining prepared for armed confrontation.
In the video, recorded in Hausa and dated June 20, 2026, the masked speaker, believed to be Turji, appeared alongside armed men dressed in military-style camouflage.
According to him, “If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes.”
He further suggested that his group would not back down from armed resistance, saying, “We are ready for peace, but if they choose war, we are also ready. We will defend ourselves.”
He alleged that his fighters carried out attacks in retaliation for the killing of community members and the seizure of livestock in areas including Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State.
Turji claimed that his group had recorded victories against security forces involved in such operations and vowed to continue efforts to recover livestock allegedly taken from members of his community.
The bandit leader also addressed the possibility of peace talks, stating that his group was willing to engage in negotiations if the government opted for dialogue. According to him, his fighters were equally prepared for continued military confrontation should authorities choose to sustain offensive operations against them.
The video emerged days after a deadly attack along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected terrorists loyal to Turji reportedly ambushed security personnel responding to a distress call.
Local and security sources alleged that an Improvised Explosive Device detonated during the operation, killing at least four soldiers, although military authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figure.
Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders and has repeatedly been linked by security agencies to kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling, and attacks across communities in the North-West region.
