By Ado Oyeyemi
Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, while declaring that his group is open to negotiations with the Federal Government.
The claim was contained in a video said to have been recorded on June 20 and currently circulating on social media.
In the footage, a masked man believed to be Turji appeared alongside several armed men dressed in military-style camouflage, where he spoke about the security situation in parts of the North-West.
The speaker alleged that communities linked to his group had come under attacks, while livestock belonging to residents were seized in areas including Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State.
He accused those behind the operations of targeting innocent people and disrupting livelihoods in the affected communities.
According to him, members of his group launched retaliatory attacks against those they believed were responsible for the actions.
The speaker further claimed that his fighters had recorded successes during confrontations with their opponents.
Addressing the possibility of dialogue, the suspected bandit leader stated that his group would be willing to participate in peace negotiations if approached by the government.
“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation,” he said.
However, he warned that his group was equally prepared to continue armed confrontation should military operations against them persist.
He added that his fighters were ready to respond to any further offensive directed at them.
The video has generated fresh concerns over insecurity in the North-West, where armed groups have continued to carry out attacks on communities, security personnel and travellers despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace.
Authorities have yet to officially respond to the claims contained in the video as of the time of filing this report.
