A video allegedly featuring notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is currently circulating on social media, with the wanted kingpin claiming responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, while declaring that his group is open to negotiations with the government but remains prepared for armed confrontation.
In the video, recorded in Hausa and dated 20 June 2026, the masked speaker, believed to be Turji, appeared alongside armed men dressed in military-style camouflage and claimed that his fighters had carried out attacks against those he accused of killing members of their communities and confiscating their livestock.
He said, ‘Some people who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters, people who have done nothing wrong, in places such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Sabon Birni in Sokoto State and other surrounding areas’.
Claiming that his group had retaliated against those involved, he added, ‘Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations and driving away our livestock.
‘We killed them. May Allah help us to succeed in defeating them and in recovering our animals from their hands’.
The bandit leader also used the video to address the issue of possible peace talks with authorities, indicating a willingness to negotiate if the government chooses dialogue over military action.
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’.
The video surfaced 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 laid an ambush on 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.
The incident reportedly occurred near Bargaja village, a community that has witnessed increased terrorist activity in recent months.
Following the explosion, gunmen were said to have engaged security forces, while a security vehicle was reportedly set ablaze during the attack.
Security sources had earlier expressed concern that intelligence reports warning of armed groups’ movements within the Isa–Bargaja corridor were not acted upon promptly, potentially exposing security personnel to the ambush.
Turji’s latest claims are also coming amid reports of increased activities by armed groups operating in border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara states, where intelligence sources recently reported gatherings and weapons training exercises involving fighters believed to be loyal to the notorious bandit leader.
While Turji’s statements have attracted widespread attention online, security authorities have yet to officially respond to the contents of the video.
The authenticity of all the claims made in the recording, including the alleged casualty figures and operational details, could not be independently verified.
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 the North-West. His latest remarks are expected to further intensify concerns over the persistent security challenges facing communities in the region.
