Nötörious Bándit Leader Bello Turji Confirms Peace Talks, Denies Receiving N30m Payment

Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has publicly confirmed that he participated in peace negotiations with officials of the Zamfara State government during the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who now serves as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence.

In a recent statement, Turji acknowledged the dialogue but firmly denied widespread reports that he received N30 million as part of the deal. He has demanded the arrest and prosecution of individuals spreading the financial allegation, labelling the claims as entirely false.

This admission provides rare, direct insight into the controversial engagements between high-level state officials and leaders of violent criminal gangs. It raises significant questions about the transparency, accountability, and ultimate effectiveness of such negotiation strategies used to address insecurity.

The revelation surfaces as the federal and state governments continue to grapple with rampant banditry in Zamfara and across northern Nigeria, where peace talks have periodically been employed as a tactic to reduce violence.