Insecurity Crisis: Bandit Kingpin Turji Accuses Two Ex-Governors of Sponsoring Violence in the North

Story: Written by Joseph December 15,2025
Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has alleged that two former governors from northern Nigeria are key contributors to the persistent insecurity ravaging the region.

In a viral video that emerged on Sunday, Turji accused past administrations in Zamfara and Sokoto states of laying the groundwork for years of violence and instability across the North.

The bandit leader claimed he was involved in several peace talks with the Zamfara State government during the tenure of a former governor. However, he dismissed allegations that he was paid ₦30 million or received any form of inducement to participate in the dialogue.

As of the time of this report, attempts to obtain reactions from the two former governors proved unsuccessful.

Sources close to the ex-governors, speaking to Vanguard, rejected Turji’s claims, insisting that statements from a terrorist should not be taken seriously. One source described the allegations as a calculated attempt by Turji to portray himself as a victim.

Turji further alleged that previous administrations armed vigilante groups, known as Yan Banga, accusing them of targeting Fulani communities and worsening the cycle of violence.

He specifically named the former governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, calling for their arrest and a full investigation into what he described as their roles in the insecurity plaguing the states.

“We clearly state that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto are responsible for the disasters that consumed these states,” Turji alleged.