Notorious Bandit Bello Turji Surrenders Weapons, Frees 32 Kidnap Victims After Peace Talks

In a major step towards restoring peace in Zamfara State, feared bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly handed over some weapons and released 32 kidnapped victims following peace dialogues with a group of Islamic clerics.

Sheikh Musa Yusuf Assadus Sunnah, who led the initiative, disclosed during a sermon that he and fellow clerics travelled deep into the Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area to engage Turji and his commanders in person.

“It wasn’t an easy journey,” Sheikh Yusuf said. “We crossed a river without a canoe and rode long distances on motorcycles to reach his camp.”

The cleric said the talks, held three times in July, were part of a grassroots peace effort initiated by residents of Shinkafi, who have endured years of violent attacks. During the meetings, Turji, along with other notorious figures including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila, agreed to a number of terms — notably surrendering arms in phases and releasing hostages.

“Shedding speculations, I can confirm that Dan Bakkolo is alive and attended the meetings,” Sheikh Yusuf noted.

He said 32 captives — mostly women and children — were freed, some of whom had spent over four months in the bush. Several had suffered from severe conditions including illness, snake bites, and childbirth in captivity.

As part of the truce, the bandits reportedly agreed to allow farmers access to their lands across the river and to cease hostilities in the area. Fulani residents displaced from towns were also assured of safe return without fear of attacks from local vigilantes.

Since the dialogue, no fresh cases of killings or abductions have been reported in Shinkafi, and farmers have resumed work in previously deserted areas.

However, Sheikh Yusuf stressed that full disarmament has not yet been demanded from Turji’s group due to security concerns.

“It’s a gradual process. Asking them to surrender everything now could make them vulnerable to attacks from rival factions who are not part of the talks,” he explained.

Videos showing the difficult terrain, the released victims, and the clerics’ journey were reportedly played for worshippers in a Kaduna mosque.