Notorious Zamfara bandit leader Bello Turji has accused government officials and security forces of collusion with terrorists in Nigeria.
Turji’s explosive claims were contained in a video that made the rounds, on social media, on Sunday.
Meteor Nigeria sourced the video from the X.com handle of one Garba Yusuf (@HonGarbaYusuf).
In the video, Turji alleges that the insecurity in Zamfara had the backing of a former governor of the state.
Although Turji mentioned the name of the governor, Meteor Nigeria is withholding his identity because the bandit’s claims could not be substantiated.
“This government has been complicit in backing terrorism,” Turji claims, asserting he has evidence to support these accusations.
According to Turji, some bandits coordinate attacks with the tacit approval of security forces.
He alleges that security personnel vacate areas to facilitate attacks by bandits.
He said, “Whenever bandits want to attack any location, they will advise the security to vacate areas in Sokoto to allow the attacks to take place.
“If I am lying, the people of Mai Lalle should come out and deny that they are not constantly being attacked.
“The bandits attacking them are from the enclave of Shehu in Gonbro forest, in Sokoto. Dan Maigari, the brother to Bashari, has 150 rifles and has coordinated several attacks in Maradun.
“Ali, a boy to Kabiru Mani, is attacking Tangaza, and these are people living lavishly and freely in Sokoto state capital. Kabiru, Buhari, and others are living lavish lives in Sokoto.”
Turji urges the people of Mai Lalle to confirm these claims, mentioning frequent attacks by bandits from the enclave of Shehu in Gonbro forest, Sokoto.
He emphasised that individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah cannot deny the complicity. Turji vows to provide names, details, and evidence to the federal government to support his claims and urges them to investigate the actions of these officials.
Zamfara and Sokoto states are two of the key epicentres of the waves of banditry that has led to killings and abductions in Northern Nigeria.
Turji recounts several failed negotiation attempts, allegedly sabotaged by local actors.
He cites the case of the late Dillu, whom he claims to have expelled from Shinkafi for refusing to allow peace.
Turji asserts that Matawalle invited armed bandits, possessing over 200 rifles, to the government house. “If I am lying, there are still people in the government house that can explain this,” he states.
Turji accuses various individuals of maintaining armed groups despite claiming to be working with the government as reformed bandits.
He mentions Kabiru Maniya and Bashari Maniya, alleging they possess over 300 rifles.
Turji claims to have confiscated 30 of these rifles and challenges the Maniya brothers to reveal their weapon caches.
He further alleges that bandit leaders like Malam Murtala Asada are aware of armed groups operating freely in Sokoto.
Turji demands accountability from the government for the ongoing violence and accuses officials of providing arms to bandits.
He challenges the authorities to explain the origin of the weapons used in the attacks and stop falsely accusing him of crimes.
He said, “They should explain to us who gave those boys the arms they are using. The government should explain this to Nigerians and stop accusing Bello Turji of killing and kidnapping people.
“Those being kidnapped around Sokoto, Achida, and Goronyo—who is kidnapping them? Turji, who is currently living peacefully in Shinkafi, is not responsible.
“Let the government come out and take responsibility for some of the atrocities being committed and stop falsely accusing others.
“Many Nigerians, for example those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara.
“However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence.
“I urge them to investigate the past actions of these individuals and their discussions with them. As a citizen of this zone, (North West) I swear before God that I speak the truth.”
Turji insisted that the kidnappings in areas like Sokoto, Achida, and Goronyo were not his doing and urged the government to take responsibility.
