Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
By Mary Udezue.
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has publicly acknowledged that he held peace talks with officials of the Zamfara State government during the administration of former governor Bello Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, while firmly denying allegations that he received ₦30 million as part of the engagement. His comments have reignited national debate over the controversial strategy of negotiating with armed groups and raised fresh questions about transparency, accountability, and security governance in Nigeria’s troubled North West.
Turji’s confirmation, delivered through statements attributed to him by sources familiar with the matter, represents one of the clearest admissions yet from a high-profile bandit figure regarding direct engagement with government representatives. While peace dialogues with armed groups have long been rumoured in Zamfara and neighbouring states, such interactions have often remained opaque, fuelling speculation, mistrust, and political controversy. Turji’s remarks have therefore drawn significant public attention, particularly because of his reputation as one of the most feared figures linked to bandit violence in the region.
According to Turji, the discussions with Zamfara State officials took place during Bello Matawalle’s tenure as governor, at a time when the state government was exploring dialogue as a means of reducing escalating violence. He described the talks as part of broader efforts to address insecurity, but strongly rejected claims circulating in some quarters that he was paid ₦30 million as an inducement or settlement. Turji insisted that the allegation was false and malicious, and went further to demand the arrest and investigation of those he accused of spreading the claim.
His denial has added a new layer of complexity to an already sensitive issue. Allegations of financial inducements to bandit leaders have long dogged peace initiatives in the North West, with critics arguing that such payments embolden criminal groups, create perverse incentives, and undermine the rule of law. Supporters of dialogue, however, contend that negotiations can save lives in the short term and create openings for disarmament and reintegration if properly managed.
The former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle, has previously defended the use of dialogue as one of several tools deployed to address insecurity in a state that became an epicentre of banditry, mass abductions, and rural displacement. During his time in office, Zamfara experimented with amnesty offers and peace talks aimed at persuading armed groups to lay down their weapons. While some temporary reductions in violence were reported at various points, the long-term effectiveness of the strategy remained contested.
Turji’s comments have revived scrutiny of those policies, especially in light of Matawalle’s current position as Minister of State for Defence. Analysts say the admission underscores the need for clearer frameworks and oversight when governments engage non-state armed actors. They argue that without transparency, peace talks risk being perceived as secret deals that benefit violent actors at the expense of victims and law-abiding citizens.
Security experts note that the North West banditry crisis differs in important ways from the insurgency in the North East, involving fluid networks of armed groups motivated by a mix of criminal profit, local grievances, and power struggles. In this context, peace talks have often been ad hoc, varying from state to state, and lacking a unified national policy. This fragmentation, they say, has contributed to inconsistent outcomes and persistent allegations of compromise.
The ₦30 million allegation, which Turji has vehemently denied, has become a focal point of public discussion because it touches on broader concerns about corruption and the misuse of public funds. While no official confirmation of such a payment has been made, the mere circulation of the claim has deepened public scepticism. Turji’s call for arrests is unusual, coming from a figure wanted by security agencies, and reflects an attempt to challenge the narrative surrounding his engagement with the state.
Human rights advocates caution that regardless of the truth of specific allegations, any interaction between government officials and known perpetrators of violence must prioritise justice for victims. Thousands of residents across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna states have lost relatives, homes, and livelihoods to bandit attacks over the past decade. For these communities, peace talks that appear to exclude accountability can feel like a betrayal of their suffering.
The federal government has, in recent years, shifted towards a more forceful military approach to banditry, including the designation of some armed groups as terrorists and the intensification of joint security operations. As Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has publicly aligned himself with this tougher stance, emphasising the need to dismantle bandit networks and restore state authority. Turji’s revelation, however, highlights the tension between past and present strategies, and raises questions about continuity and lessons learned.
Political reactions to the development have been swift and divided. Some commentators argue that Turji’s admission simply confirms what many already suspected, that dialogue with bandits occurred at high levels of state government. Others view his denial of financial inducements with scepticism, pointing out that independent verification is difficult in the absence of transparent records. Calls have grown for official clarification and, where necessary, investigation to lay the matter to rest.
For residents of Zamfara, the debate is more than political. Many remain trapped between armed groups and security forces, facing ongoing threats despite years of policy experimentation. Community leaders stress that lasting peace will require not only military action or dialogue, but also long-term investment in governance, justice, and economic opportunity in neglected rural areas where banditry has thrived.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, the controversy surrounding Bello Turji’s comments serves as a stark reminder of the dilemmas confronting policymakers. Balancing the urgency of stopping violence with the imperatives of accountability and the rule of law remains a central challenge. Whether Turji’s denial leads to investigations or fades into the cycle of accusation and counter-accusation, it has once again forced the country to confront uncomfortable questions about how peace is pursued, at what cost, and with what consequences.
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