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It’s Surprising I Became A Bandit – Turji

Published

4 years ago

March 5, 2022

Bello Turji

A notorious bandit, Bello Turji, has opened up on his past, leading to his becoming one of the most dreaded bandits terrorising communities, especially in the northwestern part of Nigeria.

Bandits like Turji have been terrorising villages in northern Nigeria for years, killing thousands of people and displacing a lot more. They also engage in isolated and mass abductions, including students in at least 10 schools in less than a year.

In a recent report, Daily Trust chronicled how hundreds of thousands of villagers had been displaced from their settlements, with many of them seeking refuge in Niger Republic and other Nigerian cities as governments in the affected states fail to provide camps for displaced persons.

In an exclusive chat aired as part of a Trust TV documentary, tagged ‘Nigeria’s Banditry: The Inside Story,’ Turji, who hails from Fakai village of Shinkafi Local Government in Zamfara State, however, said it was unbelievable to people who knew him that he strayed into the criminal activity.

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In separate clips streamed at an event to premier the documentary in Abuja on Friday, Turji said his first experience of slaughtering a human being was on a market day at Shinkafi.

“I hadn’t taken up arms by then. I was herding cattle. Then, if my father wanted to sell any of his cows, I would take it to the market for him. After I sold it I would come to the emir’s compound before returning home in the evening.

“The Emir of Shinkafi knows me. He knew me from many years ago. If he is told that Turji would become a bandit he would not believe it because he knew we Fulani could not become rustlers. But it was what they were doing to us that became unbearable.”

Turji’s claim was in reference to the activities of community self-help volunteer force called Yan Sakai, whose ruthlessness, he said, made him and some other Fulani youths to become bandits.

A researcher in the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Dr Abubakar Siddique-Mohammed, interviewed as part of the 29-minute documentary, acknowledged that the activities of the volunteer force inflamed the banditry problem across the affected states.

In the ethnic tension brought out by the documentary, both sides of the conflict had engaged in ruthless killings over the claim of self protection or vengeance.

Speaking on restrictions placed in September last year to suppress the activities of the bandits, Turji said, “It is not right to deny Fulani entry into Shinkafi; it’s a local government for all citizens. If you deny Fulani entry, where are they supposed to go?

“If you buy just a measure of maize, they confiscate it; or if you buy a loaf of bread they will say you are buying it for Turji. Is it only Turji who eats out of all the people here?

“Let me ask you; isn’t this a gun? Is it those who failed to prevent the circulation of arms in Nigeria that will prevent us from buying petrol, which even a little kid knows where it can be obtained?”

The bandits’ leader recounted an attack on his family, saying, “Over 1,000 cattle were taken away from us. On that day, six of our little siblings were killed.

“Our parents went through all the courts, but they couldn’t get back their cattle. They also connived with Yan Sakai and slaughtered my uncle. Where then does a commoner seek redress?”

He also accused Yan Sakai volunteers of connivance with security agents to harass and extort the Fulani.

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“They arrest innocent people and lock them up, and if you ask, they say it is because of corn stalks. You will be fined N500,000, and you must pay, for fear of incarceration.

“I will swear with the Qur’an that the Emir of Shinkafi knows about this. My father was involved in a court case for seven years over corn stalks. Just for corn stalks!”

Turji denounced connections between bandits liking him with Boko Haram elements, saying they have no political agenda.

“We are not interested in establishing any religious organisation. We are not aspiring to have a territory of our own, and we don’t have any political aspiration. We took up arms to protect the lives of our people that are being killed, it is not just because we are merciless or we are unconscious of Allah who created us.”

Some of the victims recalled horrendous experiences from bandits who attacked their communities.

Zainab Ibrahim from Zurmi, whose child was killed and she was abducted and held for two months, recounted her experience.

“Three of them picked my husband and left with him. I was surrounded by six men with their AK rifles and headlamps

“I was sleeping when they grabbed me and my son. They were told he (my husband) had escaped and they said there was no problem since they had us

“My son and I held tight to each other. One of them said, ‘Bring him here so that we slaughter him or we shoot two of them.’

“They snatched him from me. He was crying, I was crying too. By the time they seized him I passed out. They laid down him and slaughtered him.”

A young girl identified as Hauwa said her parents were killed when the bandits stormed their house to rob her father.

Speaking during the screening of the documentary in Abuja, experts and stakeholders called for genuine dialogue and the involvement of the traditional institutions to tackle banditry in parts of the country.

The event, organised by the Media Trust Limited and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), featured a panel discussion and open mic conversation on the banditry problem.

‘Abuja solutions not enough’

A panel discussant and lecturer from the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Dr Murtala Rufai, maintained that solutions being proffered in Abuja, the seat of power would not end banditry in the North-West.

Rufai disclosed that bandits see themselves as freedom fighters who have an axe to grind with the government.

The university don called on the federal government to ensure that traditional institutions are empowered to oversee their domains as it was in the past.

He said, “The problem of rural banditry in Zamfara and other places in the North-West is actually a fundamental and basically a local problem. In my opinion, it is a local problem that actually requires a local solution.

‘Reveal funding sources’

On its part, the Kaduna State Government insisted that the bandits were criminals hell-bent on destroying peace in the country.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who was part of the screening, reiterated the state government’s position that it would not negotiate with the criminals.

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He said it was high time the economic activities of the bandits were probed to know how they are being funded, which gives them easy access to arms and ammunition.

Dialogue with hardened criminals a waste of time – Dambazzau

In the same vein, a former Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Dambazzau, faulted claims made by the bandits’ kingpin, Turji, saying dialogue with hardened criminals is a waste of time.

He explained that the criminal groups had links, and they should not use their situation to victimise innocent travellers or motorists if they have genuine cases.

“I think there is the need to distinguish between those criminals and those who are genuinely struggling for whatever is happening to them.

“There is a need to distinguish between them if you say there should be dialogue. This is because you can’t dialogue with hardened criminals.

“If people have genuine cases you can sit down and dialogue with them and know precisely what their problems are and how to sort them out,” he said.

A Media Trust director, Mannir Dan Ali, in his welcome address, explained that the documentary was meant to understand the issue of insecurity, particularly banditry across the regions.

“This is something that has been there for quite a while. And we are still grappling with its implications and what it means for not just Nigeria, but the Sahel region as well. And probably Africa at large,” Dan-Ali said.

He also commended the CDD for the collaboration with MTL, comprising the newspapers and the Trust TV, the television arm of the MTL.

Also, the Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission (BHC), Gill Atkinson, represented by the conflict adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Sophie Stephen, said the FCDO had been supporting the CDD and partners in this project.

She noted that they were collaborating with the CDD on a project called Strengthening the Delivery of Peace and Security. She said the project aimed to counter misinformation and promote evidence-based sensitive discussions, public discourse and reporting to try to promote peace and social cohesion in Nigeria.

“I am representing a foreign government, which is very happy to be a close partner in Nigeria and others. And on behalf of the UK, I want to express first our deep sympathy with some of the events of this documentary,” she said.

According to her, as a human being she stands with the country, and is often saddened by some of the events being witnessed.

She also commended reporters who risked their lives to get these stories.

“I really hugely respect and admire your work and that of others here who are doing that to try and find the truth of some of these very complex and multi layers of situations.

“My hope is that it would inspire new approaches, ideas and ways that would ultimately bring peace to the people affected,” she added.

Daily Trust

Related Topics:bandit Featured Surprising Turji

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Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

Published

5 hours ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia Property and Tenancy Bill into law, introducing far-reaching reforms aimed at regulating property transactions, protecting landlords and tenants, and sanitising the activities of property agents across the state. The bill was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after consideration by the Committee of the Whole. The law provides for the establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, which will oversee the implementation of the new law once it receives the assent of Governor Alex Otti. Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the bill during plenary, stating that the law would take effect upon receiving the governor’s assent. He congratulated members of the House on the successful passage of the legislation, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the state’s property administration framework and promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in landlord-tenant relationships. The Property and Tenancy Bill was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, and Hon. Mandela Obasi, representing Ohafia North State Constituency, as part of the Assembly’s efforts to provide a legal framework that protects the interests of landlords, tenants, and genuine property agents while promoting order and professionalism within the real estate sector. It is one of four major bills passed by the Assembly in a single plenary session, alongside the Abia State Criminal Law Bill, the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, and the Abia State Restorative Justice Bill. The law became necessary following widespread outcry from tenants in Umuahia and Aba over high house rents for residential and commercial buildings. Residents of the two major cities accused house agents of conspiring with landlords to arbitrarily jack up rents. According to lawmakers, over 90% of Abians are tenants, with many living under the global poverty level, making housing a major challenge.

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The new law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for Abia’s housing sector, introducing several protections for tenants and agents, as well as landlords. A key provision of the legislation makes it mandatory for all property agents operating in Abia State to be registered with the regulatory authority. Collecting rent from multiple tenants for the same property has been made a criminal offence punishable by law. Anyone found operating as a property agent without a valid licence will be liable to a fine ranging from N1 million to N10 million. The law fixes the maximum agent’s fee at 5% of the annual rent, curbing the excessive charges that have long burdened tenants in the state. Any licensed or unlicensed agent who defrauds a client, whether a prospective tenant or a landlord, will, upon conviction, face between six and seven years’ imprisonment. Landlords are prohibited from demanding, and tenants from paying, rent exceeding six months in advance. Violations attract fines or potential jail time. The bill also seeks to control unreasonable rent increases, a pressing challenge where landlords have historically raised rents at arbitrary rates. Tenants can now challenge such increases in court and cannot be evicted while the case is pending. The law streamlines the process of property recovery for landlords dealing with non-compliant or defaulting tenants, providing faster eviction procedures. Tenants must present proof of rent and utility bills payment when filing or appealing tenancy-related cases, ensuring transparency in dispute resolution. It shall be the duty of the party who engages the services of a professional in respect of the tenancy agreement to pay the fees for such professional services.

The bill provides for the inauguration of a governing board immediately after the governor assents to the law. The board will be responsible for regulating the activities of property agents, ensuring compliance with the law, enforcing professional standards, and addressing issues relating to property transactions in the state. Professional fees will be paid by the party who engages the services of a professional in respect of the tenancy agreement.

The legislation followed years of complaints from residents about exploitative practices in the housing sector. Lawmakers noted that the existing laws created a “lacuna for abuse of tenancy agreements and unreasonable increment of rents” which put many into undue suffering. Hon. Barr. Anderson Akaliro, representing Umuahia North State Constituency, described the bill as “a necessary step toward protecting both landlords and tenants,” adding that effective legal safeguards are essential for promoting harmony within communities. The bill has received broad support from lawmakers across the state, including Chief Whip Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma. Many residents who have long faced arbitrary rent hikes and exploitative agent fees have welcomed the development as a major relief, while property owners have expressed appreciation for the streamlined processes for property recovery.

The law will become effective immediately upon receiving the Governor’s assent. Once operational, the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority will be established to oversee property transactions, monitor the activities of property agents, and safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants across the state. The passage of the bill is expected to address longstanding concerns over arbitrary agency charges, unregistered property agents, and disputes arising from tenancy agreements, while creating a more transparent and regulated property market in Abia State. Stakeholders in the housing sector have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the reform will reduce conflicts and foster mutual understanding between landlords and tenants. As Governor Otti’s assent is awaited, residents and stakeholders in the housing sector are hopeful that the new law will usher in a new era of fairness and accountability in Abia State’s property market. The Assembly’s commitment to passing this legislation reflects a broader recognition that housing is a fundamental right and that both tenants and landlords deserve a legal framework that protects their interests and promotes harmonious coexistence.

Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

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Boat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge

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5 hours ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Boat Operators Rescue Woman Who Jumped Into Lagos Lagoon From Carter Bridge

Panic broke out around the Idumota-Carter Bridge in Lagos on Tuesday after a woman was rescued from the Lagos Lagoon, in what witnesses described as an apparent suicide attempt. The incident drew the attention of commuters, pedestrians, and local boat operators, who responded swiftly to bring her to safety. Eyewitnesses said the woman plunged into the lagoon on Tuesday afternoon before nearby boat operators quickly moved towards her and successfully pulled her out of the water alive. A video of the incident, shared on X by user CHUKS (@ChuksEricE), showed the woman seated inside a wooden canoe moments after she was brought out of the water. She appeared visibly shaken and disoriented as one of the fishermen paddled the canoe away from the bridge. The footage captured bystanders gathered on the bridge, with many expressing concern about the woman’s condition and speculating about what may have driven her to jump into the lagoon. A woman speaking in Yoruba was heard asking, “What were you thinking to that extent?” while another bystander remarked, “I can never kill myself because of thinking.” Some members of the public were also heard appealing to the boat operator not to immediately hand the woman over to the police, reflecting concerns about her emotional state. Others responded, “Pray to never be in that position.” The successful rescue has highlighted the importance of a swift emergency response, as the presence of boat operators in the area—who are often close to the water—can be critical during such emergencies. The incident has also sparked conversations online about the growing need for mental health awareness, emotional support systems, and timely intervention for individuals experiencing psychological distress. Reacting to the video, an X user, James JERRY, questioned why the woman appeared to be sitting alone in the canoe after being rescued. “But why is she alone? What if she jumps again? The man is paddling his canoe, who will help out, then?” he wrote. Another user, Kingkosec, described the rescue as both a blessing and a challenge for the woman, writing, “Worst and best thing that can happen to anyone is to be rescued like her. Worst for not fulfilling your wish, best that you will still live again.”

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident, and details about the woman’s identity, age, and condition remain unknown. It is also not clear whether she was taken to a hospital, placed in the care of relatives, or referred for psychological support. The Lagos State Police Command and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have not commented on the rescue. The absence of an official update has left many concerned about the woman’s post-rescue care, particularly given the psychological trauma associated with such incidents.

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The incident adds to a growing list of cases involving people entering the Lagos Lagoon from major bridges in the city. In recent months and years, there have been several similar occurrences, with some ending tragically and others resulting in successful rescues. In June 2026, the Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he jumped into the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. He told authorities he had acted out of overwhelming financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. Police confirmed he was the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon. In July 2025, police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) rescued an elderly woman from Carter Bridge. She was counselled and released into the care of her husband and son. The police had earlier in the year rescued a 35-year-old woman from the lagoon at Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, with the state government offering her psychological and social support. In April 2023, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the death of a man, identified as Buka Abana, after he entered the lagoon from the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. His body was recovered two days later. There have also been several other successful rescue efforts: in July 2020, police operatives rescued a 45-year-old man, Adeyinka Abiodun, who reportedly attempted to enter the lagoon from a bridge. At the time, the incident was described as the eighth such attempt prevented within two months. In September 2021, police stopped a 54-year-old Oworonsoki resident, Akinlolu Ajayi, from entering the lagoon at the Third Mainland Bridge. In April 2022, a 67-year-old Ogun State resident, Oluwatoye Bamigboye, was rescued after a similar incident on the Third Mainland Bridge. In May 2023, police reportedly prevented a 25-year-old street hawker, Rabiu Nafiu, from entering the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge. In November 2023, soldiers attached to the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army rescued Francesca Spark after she entered the lagoon at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina. In June 2024, passersby and officers of the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command intervened to prevent an American citizen from entering the lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

Experts say the priority after such incidents should be ensuring the person’s immediate safety and connecting them with appropriate medical, psychological, and social support. Rather than judging or ridiculing people in distress, members of the public can help by listening, offering support, and directing them to professional assistance. The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has in the past offered counselling and rehabilitation support to individuals rescued from such situations. However, many residents have called for more robust mental health infrastructure and greater public awareness to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or call a helpline. You are not alone.

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Tinubu Approves Historic 30–80% Military Pay Rise, N924bn Annual Wage Bill

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6 hours ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Approves Historic 30–80% Military Pay Rise, N924bn Annual Wage Bill

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the decision as “a landmark demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, morale and operational effectiveness of the gallant officers and men who continue to make immense sacrifices in defence of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” In a statement issued on Tuesday, Matawalle said the review of military salaries had remained a priority since the inception of the current administration, adding that he personally championed the initiative within government. He thanked President Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of military personnel. “It is a clear reflection of your passion for building a motivated, resilient and highly professional Armed Forces capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” he said. The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Under the tiered arrangement, the lowest-paid private is expected to earn about N187,000 monthly, a significant increase from the previous N104,000. The annual wage bill for the armed forces will rise from N660 billion to N924 billion, reflecting an additional N264 billion in personnel costs.

Matawalle provided the following breakdown of the salary increases: personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80% increase; personnel from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50% increase; and senior officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, will receive a 30% increase. The tiered approach reflects the administration’s recognition that lower-ranking personnel, who bear the brunt of frontline combat operations, require the most substantial uplift in remuneration. This differentiated structure ensures that those at the base of the military pyramid receive the largest proportional increase.

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Quoting President Tinubu, the minister said: “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.” The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare while accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved weapons systems and technological capabilities. The salary review forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve the welfare of troops engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping, and other internal security operations nationwide. Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across different regions, including Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and kidnapping-for-ransom in parts of the north-central, as well as separatist-linked violence in the southeast.

The salary increment follows recent efforts by the Tinubu administration to address long-standing welfare concerns within the armed forces. In December 2024, following protests by military retirees at the Federal Ministry of Finance, President Tinubu directed the release of funds for the payment of pension arrears and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel. Matawalle had praised the president at the time for facilitating the immediate payment of the three-month salary increase and the release of funds to settle pension arrears and other entitlements. The minister acknowledged the efforts and support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who was committed to actualising the payments. The previous salary increment for military personnel ranged between 20 and 28 per cent, covering January to November 2024. Retirees had also demanded overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.

The minister also assured that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel while strengthening the Armed Forces through the acquisition of modern weapons, equipment and advanced technological capabilities. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has pursued strategic initiatives including a Memorandum of Understanding and joint venture agreement for the establishment of an ammunition production factory in Nigeria. Matawalle has promised that before the expiration of the president’s four-year term, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) will begin exporting its military capabilities. This initiative is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign arms imports, save foreign exchange, and position the country as a regional defence manufacturing hub.

Matawalle urged members of the Armed Forces to see the salary increase as recognition of their sacrifices and a renewed call to service. “I urge our servicemen to take this gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said. The minister’s call for renewed commitment comes at a time when the military faces multiple fronts in the fight against insecurity. The salary increase is expected to significantly boost troop morale, improve retention rates, and enhance the overall operational effectiveness of the armed forces in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

The latest salary hike is expected to significantly boost troop morale and improve retention rates within the armed forces. Matawalle has consistently emphasised that the Tinubu administration is committed to enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment, timely payment of allowances, and salary increases. With the new salary structure taking effect from September 2026, military personnel across all ranks stand to benefit significantly from the administration’s renewed focus on welfare and operational effectiveness. The federal government has urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties while assuring them of continued support in combating insecurity across the nation.