Bandit kingpin Bello Turji reportedly begging for peace talks after top commander’s death

Bandit kingpin Bello Turji reportedly begging for peace talks after top commander’s death

Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly reaching out for peace talks following the death of his top field commander and cousin, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, who was recently killed in a security operation.

Turji, one of the most wanted terror figures in Nigeria’s North West, is said to be exploring dialogue with the governments of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States, according to security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

In a post on X on Monday, Makama, citing multiple sources, disclosed that Turji has initiated contact with other bandit groups, proposing a meeting to discuss potential surrender and negotiations with authorities.

The push for peace is believed to be linked to the loss of Danbokolo, who was not only Turji’s cousin but also the strategic mastermind of his criminal network.

Danbokolo was instrumental in planning and leading raids, ambushes, and mass kidnappings across the region.

“While Turji was the face of the gang, Danbokolo ran the operations from logistics to enforcement. His death has left a serious void and exposed Turji’s vulnerability,” a source familiar with the group’s structure told Makama.

Despite the reported peace overtures, security officials are treating the development with skepticism.

Analysts warn that Turji’s move could be a calculated attempt to regroup or evade growing military pressure.

Makama echoed these concerns, stressing that the government should not accept Turji’s surrender plea.

“Turji must not be forgiven. This is not repentance, it’s a survival strategy,” he said, citing intelligence sources.

As of press time, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding Turji’s reported move.