Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly claimed responsibility for a series of recent attacks in northwestern Nigeria, while declaring that his group is prepared either to negotiate with the government or continue armed confrontation.
Turji made the remarks in a video message that has circulated widely on social media, where he addressed ongoing security operations and the activities of armed groups operating across parts of the North-West. In the recording, the wanted bandit leader allegedly acknowledged his involvement in recent violent incidents and stated that his faction was open to dialogue if approached by authorities.
According to the message, Turji said his group was willing to engage in negotiations aimed at ending hostilities but warned that it was equally prepared for continued conflict should the government choose a military approach.
The statement comes amid intensified security operations by the Nigerian military and other security agencies against bandit groups operating in states such as Zamfara State, Sokoto State, Katsina State and Kebbi State. Authorities have repeatedly identified Turji as one of the country’s most wanted criminal leaders, linking him to numerous attacks, kidnappings and killings in the region.
For years, banditry has remained a major security challenge in northwestern Nigeria, with armed groups targeting rural communities, highways and schools. Thousands of people have been displaced by the violence, while many others have been killed or abducted for ransom.
The federal government has consistently maintained that criminal groups must surrender their weapons and renounce violence before any meaningful resolution can be achieved. Security officials have also emphasized that military operations against armed groups will continue as part of efforts to restore peace and protect affected communities.
Turji’s latest comments are likely to reignite debate over whether dialogue should be pursued alongside military operations in tackling insecurity. While some stakeholders have previously advocated negotiations as a means of reducing violence, others argue that engaging with bandit leaders could embolden criminal groups and undermine justice for victims.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate official response from federal authorities to Turji’s latest statement. However, security operations across the North-West remain ongoing, with the military continuing efforts to dismantle armed camps and disrupt the activities of bandit networks in the region.
The development highlights the continuing security concerns facing communities in Nigeria’s North-West, where authorities are seeking lasting solutions to years of armed violence, kidnappings and displacement.
