Notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, has confirmed that he held peace talks with officials of the Zamfara State government during the administration of former governor Bello Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence.
However, Turji denied claims that he received ₦30 million as part of the engagement, describing the allegation as false.
In an audio message circulated online, Turji dismissed accusations by a former state-appointed peace mediator, Musa Kamara. “By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” he said. “We were never given that ₦30 million you are talking about.” He insisted the discussions were part of a peace initiative and that he did not benefit financially.
Turji accused former political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states of fuelling violence, alleging they armed groups and encouraged vigilante actions against Fulani communities. “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said.
Nigerian security agencies have identified Turji as a major armed group leader in the North-West and previously declared him wanted.