A man believed to be notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surfaced in a new video, claiming responsibility for a series of recent attacks in northwestern Nigeria, including alleged assaults on security personnel and cattle recovery operations.
In the footage, which was recorded in Hausa, the masked speaker appeared alongside armed men wearing military-style camouflage and claimed that his group had carried out operations in parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighboring states.
The individual alleged that the attacks were launched in response to actions by people he accused of seizing livestock and killing members of their communities. He claimed that his fighters confronted those responsible and successfully carried out retaliatory operations.
According to the speaker, the incidents occurred in areas including Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, among other locations in the region.
The suspected bandit leader further asserted that his group had engaged and killed individuals allegedly involved in attacks against their communities and livestock. He also claimed responsibility for ambushes targeting security operatives, although he did not provide details on casualties or specific incidents.
The video has intensified concerns over the security situation in Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups continue to be linked to attacks on communities, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent clashes despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace in the region.
Bello Turji remains one of the most wanted figures associated with banditry in the North-West and has frequently been linked to violent activities across Zamfara, Sokoto, and other neighboring states.
