Turji Claims Responsibility for Attacks on Security Forces, Signals Readiness for Peace Talks

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security personnel in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, while indicating a willingness to negotiate with the government under certain conditions.

The claims were contained in a video circulating on social media and said to have been recorded on June 20, 2026.

In the footage, a masked man believed to be Turji appeared alongside armed men dressed in military-style camouflage and spoke in Hausa about ongoing security operations and clashes in parts of Nigeria’s North-West region.

The speaker accused security forces and local vigilante groups of targeting communities and confiscating livestock in areas including Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He alleged that members of his group had launched retaliatory attacks in response to what he described as assaults on their communities and economic activities.

The individual in the video also expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with authorities.

“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation,” he said.

However, he warned that his group remained prepared for further confrontation should military operations continue against them.

The video emerged days after a deadly attack along the Isa-Bargaja corridor in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected fighters loyal to Turji allegedly ambushed security operatives responding to a distress call.

According to local and security sources, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated during the operation, reportedly killing at least four soldiers. Military authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figure.

The incident was said to have occurred near Bargaja village, an area that has witnessed heightened terrorist and bandit activities in recent months.

Sources further alleged that following the explosion, the attackers engaged security personnel in a gun battle and set a security vehicle ablaze.

Security sources also claimed that intelligence reports warning of the movement of armed groups within the Isa-Bargaja axis may not have been acted upon promptly, potentially exposing responding troops to the ambush.

Turji’s latest remarks come amid reports of increased activities by armed groups operating along border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Intelligence sources have recently reported gatherings and weapons-training exercises allegedly involving fighters loyal to the bandit kingpin in remote forest locations across the region.

Despite sustained military offensives targeting armed groups in the North-West, security analysts say the emergence of fresh threats and continued attacks underscore the persistent challenges facing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.

Authorities have yet to officially respond to the contents of the video, while security operations against bandit and terrorist groups continue across affected communities.