Bandit leader Bello Turji frees over 100 hostages in Zamfara

Bandit leader Bello Turji frees over 100 hostages in Zamfara

In a significant development in the fight against banditry, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released more than 100 hostages in Zamfara State as part of a renewed peace initiative.

Security sources confirmed the release to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, attributing the breakthrough to ongoing dialogue and confidence-building efforts led by community leaders under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace framework.

The freed individuals—comprising men, women, and children—were handed over to local authorities and immediately taken to medical facilities for examination before being reunited with their families.

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A source involved in the negotiations disclosed that the release was carried out in phases, beginning with 36 hostages, followed by eight more, and culminating in the release of the remaining captives, bringing the total to over 100.

The move is said to be part of a broader agreement between Turji’s camp and peace mediators aimed at ending violence and restoring calm to communities long affected by insecurity.

Further releases are anticipated as discussions continue, raising cautious optimism about the prospects for lasting peace in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s troubled North West region.

Bandit leader Bello Turji frees over 100 hostages in Zamfara