After the death of his cousin and top field commander, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly making moves toward peace.
Turji is one of the most wanted terror leaders in Nigeria’s North West, blamed for countless attacks across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
Sources reveal that Danbokolo, who was recently killed by security forces, was the driving force behind Turji’s violent operations. He led raids, ambushes, and mass kidnappings, while Turji himself served as the group’s public face.
“Turji was mostly the face of the group. It was Danbokolo who led the fighters and ran the operations. Without him, Turji’s power is weakened,” said a source familiar with the bandits.
Following Danbokolo’s death, Turji is said to have called for a meeting with other bandit groups to discuss the possibility of surrendering and opening dialogue with the governments of the three North West states.
However, security experts warn that Turji’s sudden call for peace might not be sincere. They believe it is a tactical move to buy time amid increasing pressure from security operations.
Security agencies have not officially responded to Turji’s reported peace offer, but analysts advise the government to be cautious.
“Turji must not be forgiven. The government should reject his plea to surrender,” said a security analyst, citing intelligence reports.
The death of Danbokolo and Turji’s peace overtures mark a critical moment in the ongoing fight against banditry in Nigeria’s troubled North West.
