A non-partisan women’s group, the North-West Women Development Forum (NWDF), has called on notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to lay down his arms and embrace peace, following the death of his top aide, Kallamu Buzu, and several other fighters. The appeal comes amid growing concern over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The group made the call on Friday in Abuja, during a special prayer session for peace in the North-West, across Nigeria, and for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The prayers were offered in light of recent military operations that have significantly impacted bandit activities in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, NWDF Public Relations Officer, Salamatu Bello, highlighted the critical role of the military in tackling insecurity. “We cannot continue like this. As mothers, we are happy with the quiet but firm way the military is handling these criminals. We appeal to Bello Turji to surrender before it is too late,” she said.
The NWDF’s call is in line with the Nigerian military’s non-violent approach to ending banditry and terrorism. The forum commended the Armed Forces for their success in eliminating key members of Turji’s gang, noting that the operation sent a strong message to criminals operating in the region.
Kallamu Buzu, Bello Turji’s second-in-command, was killed during a joint military operation conducted by the 8 Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force under Operation Hadarin Daji. The operation took place in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Several other fighters were reportedly neutralized in the operation.
Sources say the news of Buzu’s death reportedly shook Turji, who allegedly threatened revenge. Reports also indicate that he blamed another lieutenant for mistakes that led to Buzu’s death during a failed attack on local traders. This development has intensified calls for his surrender and highlighted the challenges of banditry in the region.
The operation against Buzu and his fighters demonstrates the growing capacity of the Nigerian military to tackle heavily armed criminal gangs in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Analysts say that sustained military pressure combined with community engagement is crucial for reducing the influence of armed groups in North-West Nigeria.
The Sokoto State Government has also praised the military’s successful operation, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel. The state’s security aide, Ahmed Usman, commended the soldiers for their speed, professionalism, and bravery. He noted that the swift military response prevented a possible tragedy in Sabon Birni and surrounding areas.
“The state appreciates the sacrifices of our security personnel and urges them to continue the pressure on criminals in Sokoto State and across the North-West region,” Usman said.
The state government’s commendation reflects a broader commitment by Nigerian authorities to support military efforts and strengthen coordination between federal and state security agencies in fighting banditry.
Banditry has been a persistent threat in the North-West region of Nigeria, affecting states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina. Criminal gangs, often heavily armed, engage in kidnappings, cattle rustling, armed robbery, and attacks on local communities. The violence has caused loss of lives, displacement of communities, and disruption of local economies.
Bello Turji is among the most notorious bandit leaders in the region, responsible for numerous attacks on villages and towns. His operations have instilled fear in many communities, prompting calls for stronger security measures and targeted military interventions.
The military’s Operation Hadarin Daji, launched several years ago, aims to dismantle bandit networks and restore peace in affected areas. The recent elimination of Turji’s top aide, Buzu, marks a significant milestone in the operation and has reignited hope for greater stability in the region.
The intervention of the North-West Women Development Forum highlights the critical role women play in peacebuilding and advocacy in Nigeria. By urging Turji to surrender, the group seeks to complement military efforts with community-driven approaches to ending violence.
Salamatu Bello highlighted that prayers for soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty are also part of their advocacy. “We gathered to pray for Allah’s intervention to restore peace, and to support the armed forces and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede. We also remembered the soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our country,” she said.
Peace advocacy by women’s groups is increasingly recognized as a vital component of security strategies in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and banditry. Their efforts provide moral support to security agencies while encouraging dialogue and non-violent resolutions to conflicts.
The NWDF’s public appeal serves as a call to Turji to consider these non-violent options
