Exclusive Video: Bandit Kingpin Bello Turji Surrenders, Declares “Enough Of The Killings

Infamous bandit commander Bello Turji has expressed his willingness to lay down arms and embrace peace, along with his followers. In a viral video circulating online, Turji denounced the continuous killings of innocent civilians, which he alleged were being carried out by government forces under the guise of anti-bandit operations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Turji emphasized that his decision to surrender should not be mistaken for weakness, but rather as a genuine call for peaceful coexistence between bandits, farmers, and local residents.

“We urge the current administration to recognize that the agents it sends out to kill innocent people under the pretense of fighting bandits are only worsening the situation,” Turji said in the video.

Appealing to both the Zamfara State and Federal Government, he continued, “We want peace. Enough of the bloodshed.”

Turji further called on authorities to provide compensation to affected communities and promote reconciliation between herders and farmers. “Let’s embrace peace. Our decision to surrender is not due to being overpowered, but to allow peace to return and ensure harmonious living between all parties involved,” he added.

He concluded by urging his fighters across the forests to lay down their weapons and choose peace.

Despite the apparent peace gesture, counter-insurgency expert and Lake Chad security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has cast doubt on the sincerity of Turji’s surrender. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Makama described the bandit leader’s move as a “strategic retreat,” not genuine repentance.

According to Makama, Turji’s operational strength has been significantly weakened, particularly after the death of his top lieutenant and battlefield commander, Danbokolo, in a recent joint security raid involving the State Security Services (SSS) and the Hybrid Forces, which include members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

“Turji isn’t laying down arms out of goodwill. He’s doing so because his capabilities have collapsed,” Makama stated. He explained that Danbokolo was instrumental in executing attacks and that his death created a leadership vacuum that destabilized Turji’s network.

“Turji was more of the mouthpiece; Danbokolo did the groundwork. With Danbokolo gone, Turji lost his confidence,” a security source told Makama.

While Turji’s public plea has sparked discussions, the Federal Government has yet to release an official response. However, Makama disclosed that talks are ongoing behind the scenes about whether to accept Turji’s surrender and under what conditions disarmament might occur.

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