In a surprising twist to the prolonged security crisis in Nigeria’s North-West, notorious terrorist commander, Bello Turji, has reportedly surrendered a cache of arms and released 32 kidnapped victims as part of a fresh peace initiative brokered by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State.
The development, which comes after years of deadly attacks and abductions blamed on Turji and his fighters, was revealed by a leading Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf (popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah), during a religious gathering in Kaduna on Monday.
Yusuf disclosed that the peace initiative began in July following a plea by residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area, who urged clerics to intervene and persuade Turji to halt his operations and allow farmers access to their lands.
“We met with Turji and other key commanders including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila in Fakai forest. Contrary to rumours, Dan Bakkolo is alive.
“These are the men behind most of the insecurity in the area, and they all agreed to the peace proposals,” he said.
According to him, the discussions led to the surrender of some weapons in three phases and the release of hostages held in various camps.
“Turji released 32 captives under the deal, and we have video evidence showing the rough terrain the freed victims had to cross from his camp. Farming has resumed in several areas previously abandoned due to bandit occupation,” Yusuf added.
He noted that the dialogue also addressed tensions between Fulani herders and local vigilantes, stressing that the agreement includes non-discrimination and safety for Fulani community members in towns and markets.
Yusuf explained that clerics did not request full disarmament from Turji to prevent exposing him to attacks from rival gangs not involved in the peace talks.
“Negotiations are ongoing. We’re working towards full cessation of hostilities, but we’re taking cautious steps to ensure lasting peace without triggering fresh violence,” he said.
The peace deal marks the latest in a series of unofficial efforts to curb rural banditry in northern Nigeria, a region plagued by years of violence, mass abductions, and displacement.
However, security experts and civil society organisations have repeatedly warned that such arrangements—often lacking legal backing or accountability mechanisms—could embolden criminal groups and undermine state authority.
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