Turji Declares Readiness for Peace Talks or Armed Confrontation with Government

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly declared that his group is prepared either to negotiate with the Nigerian government or continue armed confrontation, according to a video circulating on social media.

In the video, recorded in Hausa and dated June 20, 2026, a masked man believed to be Turji appeared alongside armed followers and claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security personnel in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states. The speaker alleged that security operations in communities such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State had targeted members of their communities and led to the seizure of livestock.

The individual identified as Turji claimed his fighters had retaliated against those involved in the operations and asserted that they had recorded successes against security forces. He further stated that his group was willing to engage in dialogue if the government opted for negotiations but remained prepared for military confrontation if force continued to be used against them.

According to the video, Turji said his group was “ready for negotiation” if approached by the government, but warned that his fighters were equally prepared for war. He also maintained that they would continue to resist what he described as attacks on their communities.

The statement emerged days after a deadly ambush along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Sokoto State, where suspected bandits reportedly attacked security personnel responding to a distress call. The latest remarks have also coincided with reports of increased activities by armed groups operating in border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara states.

As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian security authorities had not issued an official response to the contents of the video. The authenticity of the recording has also not been independently verified by government agencies.

Turji remains one of the most wanted bandit leaders operating in northwestern Nigeria and has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and violent incidents across Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighbouring states.