Exposed! Islamic Cleric Reveals Secret Peace Talks Between Bello Turji And FG

A respected Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadus-Sunna, has disclosed that his peace committee successfully brokered a truce between the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the Federal Government of Nigeria—resulting in the release of 32 hostages and the surrender of weapons by Turji’s fighters.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Sheikh Asadus-Sunna said the initiative was born out of a desperate need to end the widespread killings and kidnappings plaguing northern Nigeria.

“There is great blessing in reconciliation in Islam—that’s why we embarked on the peace talks,” he stated.

The cleric revealed that his committee, which includes over 20 Islamic scholars and government representatives, made three separate journeys last month to Fakai in Kebbi State, where Turji and his senior commanders are based.

Detailing the difficult terrain and risk involved, he said: “When we visited Maberaya, we faced heavy rainfall and flooding. We had to wade through water and ride motorcycles for hours through dense forests to reach them.”

According to Asadus-Sunna, during the meetings, the bandits were persuaded to surrender their weapons and allow farmers free access to farmlands. “They handed over their arms, which signals a genuine desire for peace,” he noted.

He confirmed that 32 hostages, including women who gave birth while in captivity, were released during the process. “We put our lives on the line for this mission. May Allah reward us and may our efforts be remembered,” he said.

Not All Bandits on Board

Despite the breakthrough with Turji, Sheikh Asadus-Sunna warned that the crisis is far from resolved. He identified other armed leaders—Dan Bakwalo, Dan Kanyawa, Malam Ila, and Black—as still active and unreconciled.

“People assume that neutralizing Turji ends the crisis, but I’ve met and spoken with others who are just as dangerous,” he warned.

He shared that some fighters have started eliminating fellow militants who oppose the peace process, citing the killing of notorious recruiters like Kachalla Musa and Kachalla Isa Doho.

Sheikh Asadus-Sunna confirmed that the negotiations were carried out with full support from the Federal Government, praising President Bola Tinubu for endorsing peaceful resolutions.

“Blaming President Tinubu for insecurity is unfair. He has given the North all the backing it needs to end this crisis,” the cleric emphasized.

He also revealed that over 500 armed fighters, including boys as young as 10 carrying AK-47s, attended one of the meetings in Fakai.

Peace Still Fragile

Despite these efforts, violence continues. On Tuesday, gunmen killed two travelers on the Shinkafi–Isa road, raising concerns about the durability of the peace deal.

A source from Isa warned that without active involvement from state and local governments—especially Zamfara—the peace initiative might fail.

“At one of the meetings, Turji asked if the Zamfara State Government was involved. He said the peace wouldn’t last without their commitment,” the source disclosed.

According to Asadus-Sunna, the goal is a comprehensive ceasefire. “Many of these fighters are exhausted. The government is now focused on achieving total peace. The time for lasting reconciliation is now,” he concluded.