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Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto

Published

1 month ago

December 15, 2025

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji

Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former northern governors of playing key roles in fueling insecurity in the North, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states, while denying claims that he received ₦30 million or any material inducement during past peace negotiations with government officials.

In a viral video that surfaced on Tuesday, Turji alleged that past political leadership in the two states laid the foundation for years of violence by arming vigilante groups known as ‘Yan Banga’, whom he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities, thereby escalating armed conflict in the region.

“We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji said, calling for their arrest and investigation over alleged roles in the crisis.

Turji confirmed that he participated in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the administration of a former governor but dismissed allegations that he collected money or other benefits. He was responding to accusations by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace negotiator appointed by both state governments, who claimed that Turji was paid ₦30 million during talks held at the Government House, Gusau.

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“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” Turji said, insisting that the discussions were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace.

He further accused Kamarawa of betrayal and peddling falsehoods. “When the Zamfara State government appointed you, we agreed on peace. What you are saying now is full of lies and deceit,” he said.

Turji also sought to distance himself from political influence, stressing that he was not acting on behalf of any politician or interest group. “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us,” he stated, adding that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”

Efforts to obtain reactions from the two former governors were unsuccessful as calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them were neither answered nor returned as of press time. However, sources close to the former governors dismissed Turji’s claims, describing them as unreliable.

“Why would anyone place a premium on the words of a terrorist? He is only trying to present himself as a victim. It is all lies,” one source said, while another added that Turji’s allegations were “entirely false.”

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also declined to comment on the matter.

Despite his claims, Nigerian security agencies have consistently identified Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West, with the Nigerian military previously declaring him wanted for terror-related activities.

The allegations and counterclaims have once again drawn attention to the controversial non-kinetic approach adopted by some northern states in the past to address banditry, as debates continue over its effectiveness and consequences.

Bello Turji Accuses Ex-Governors of Creating Insecurity in Zamfara, Sokoto

Related Topics:ex-governors Featured insecurity Sokoto Zamfara

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

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58 minutes ago

January 24, 2026

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

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During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

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Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

Published

1 hour ago

January 24, 2026

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Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed by suspected bandits in the Wawa community of Borgu Local Government Area, intensifying concerns over the growing security crisis in rural Niger State.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

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Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen security operations, while experts warn that continued attacks threaten socioeconomic stability, displace local populations, and erode confidence in local law enforcement.

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

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DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

Published

2 hours ago

January 24, 2026

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President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

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The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS have remained unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.