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Doubts trail dialogue with Bello Turji despite release of 32 captives
Doubts trail dialogue with Bello Turji despite release of 32 captives
By: Zagazola Makama
The recent release of 32 kidnapped victims by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, following behind-the-scenes dialogue with Islamic clerics and representatives of federal authorities, has triggered cautious reactions and deep scepticism from stakeholders in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara State long considered the epicentre of Nigeria’s banditry crisis.
Though the development has been hailed by some as a potential opening for peace, others see it as déjà vu, a replay of failed dialogue attempts that emboldened criminal elements and undermined justice for thousands of victims across rural communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi States.
One of the most vocal critics is Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, a prominent political leader in Shinkafi LGA and former Chairman of the Zamfara State Committee on Prosecution of Banditry-Related Offences.
Speaking in a monitored programme on Tuesday, Shinkafi rejected the peace overtures with Turji, describing them as “unsustainable and morally indefensible,” citing past betrayals and the broader scale of insecurity that extends beyond a single warlord.
According to Shinkafi, the latest round of engagements with Turji was facilitated not just by local clerics but included emissaries from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security, Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
“These meetings reportedly happened about three times in July in Turji’s hideout,” Shinkafi disclosed, adding that though 32 victims were released, the process lacked transparency and structure. Where were these victims taken after release? Was the traditional protocol followed Emir’s palace, state government, medical evaluation? Nothing of such was done,” he queried.
Observers note that peace dialogues with bandit leaders are not new to Zamfara. Under former governors Abdul’aziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, multiple deals were initiated particularly through the efforts of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. Each time, initial gains in the form of temporary ceasefires or prisoner swaps were followed by renewed violence, extortion, and further territorial expansion by criminal groups.
“This is the irony of the latest ‘peace talk’,” Shinkafi said. “We’ve seen this before, and each time we empower these criminals further.”
He added that making peace with Turji ignores the broader network of armed actors operating across the region, including Mallam Ila, Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Sani Black, Dogo Gide and others.
“Sani Black recently demanded ransom payment in gold not naira from Zumi communities. What peace are we talking about when over 40 local governments across the North-West are under siege?”he said.
He argued that one major concern is the narrow focus of the dialogue. While Turji remains one of the most prominent warlords operating in Sokoto and Zamfara’s eastern axis, other factions continue to abduct, kill, and extort villagers.
Communities such as Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Issa, Kamarawa, Bafarawa, and Gatawa in Sokoto East remain under persistent attack, with dozens of hostages still in captivity. Just days ago, in Sabon Garin Damri (Bakura LGA), 70 people were reportedly kidnapped, with 11 confirmed dead.
Shinkafi argued that peace talks with a single actor like Turji, no matter how well-intentioned risk creating a perception of state weakness and selective negotiation.
“Even if Turji releases 32 victims with very fee arms and ammunitions, what about the rest? What about the others he didn’t release? What about the commanders who didn’t sit at the table?” he asked.
Malam Ibrahim Issa, another activist, said Dogo Gide recently claimed that he has seized fire in Kaduna state, but his boyz recently carried out attack on Nigerian army troops in Niger and few days later, he carried out another attack in Kebbi state.
“Likewise Yellow Jambros, who also surrendered in Kaduna and stopped hostilities in Katsina but he men are still attack Plateau and Benue state,”he said.
Banditry without ideology
Shinkafi further argued that unlike Niger Delta militants, who were driven by environmental degradation and resource control, the North East insurgents driven by religious ideologies, the North-West’s bandits are not guided by ideology or political grievances.
“These men are building a criminal enterprise. They extort farmers, kidnap schoolchildren, kill villagers, and run illegal mining operations. What ideology are they promoting?” he asked.
He said Turji’s sudden interest in peace is likely tactical to regroup, seek legitimacy, or avoid military pressure.
While the release of any kidnapped person should be welcomed, experts warn that fragmented negotiations, especially those lacking legal oversight and accountability, may set dangerous precedents.
“There must be a coordinated national framework for any engagement. Anything short of this is appeasement,” said a retired senior intelligence officer who declined to be named.
In the meantime, voices like Shinkafi’s are pushing for a more resolute military and judicial approach to end the cycle of violence and impunity.
“The only peace worth having is one anchored on justice, disarmament, and state authority,” he said.
Another layer of complication is the apparent lack of coordination with the Zamfara State Government. Governor Dauda Lawal, elected on a reformist platform, has publicly distanced himself from any peace overture with criminal elements.
“Governor Lawal is not part of this. He has maintained a clear position that no dialogue will be held with armed bandits unless they lay down their weapons unconditionally,” a senior government source told Zagazola.
Most of the bandits are not ready to lay down their arms. And even if they do, they are not willing to surrender themselves to the government for any form of rehabilitation. Most of the fulani bandits have large livestock and families too. Where do you want to keep them when you decide to confined them to a rehabilitation camp. What are you rehabilitating them for?
This policy divergence between federal-backed actors and the state government risks undermining a coherent security strategy and emboldening factions looking to exploit disunity between security stakeholders.
Doubts trail dialogue with Bello Turji despite release of 32 captives
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara State have arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mannir Adam, for allegedly transporting 800 rounds of AK-47 ammunition concealed in the fuel tank of a motorcycle.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, a resident of Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, was intercepted at about 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
He was arrested at a security checkpoint in Yankara while riding a red Boxer motorcycle.
According to the sources, a search conducted by the operatives led to the discovery of 800 rounds of live ammunition for an AK-47 rifle, which had been carefully hidden inside the motorcycle’s fuel tank.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly picked up the ammunition from the Bawa area in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He was reportedly transporting the ammunition to Kucheri village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where it was suspected to be destined for armed bandits operating in the area.
Security sources described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in the illegal arms supply chain.
Security forces arrest suspect with 800 rounds of ammunition in Zamfara
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Plateau has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms during an intelligence-led operation in Jos North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects were arrested on March 9 at about 9:15 p.m. by a team of operatives acting on credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Yakmoe of Angwan Rukuba and Alfred Song of Furaka Junction, both residents of Jos North.
According to police, a locally fabricated pistol was recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed one Nandi Budadi Taki of his iPhone 16 Pro Max at gunpoint.
Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional Beretta pistol from Yakmoe at his residence in Angwan Rukuba.
Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that discreet investigation was ongoing.
The command also said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Plateau
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Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
By Ayo Ajayi
In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters.
For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff who may not be fully informed about the workings of the system. In such an atmosphere, maintaining discipline, order, and institutional focus requires more than routine administration—it demands patience, clarity of purpose, and steady leadership.
Dr. Ikharo has sought to provide exactly that. Known among colleagues for his methodical approach to public service administration, he has remained focused on ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively despite the distractions created by internal disagreements and misinformation.
His journey within the National Assembly bureaucracy reflects years of dedication to institutional development.
Dr. Ikharo joined the National Assembly Service Commission in 2002 as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Through diligence and professional commitment, he steadily rose through the ranks of the public service, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2017.
Dr Lucky Ikharo was among the pioneer staff members entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating the Commission’s Meeting Secretariat, a role he diligently handled for over nine years. In that capacity, he played a critical role in ensuring the smooth organization and documentation of the Commission’s high-level deliberations.
Following this period, Dr. Ikharo broadened his administrative horizon by serving in various departments within the Commission. These experiences exposed him to the diverse operational dynamics of the institution and helped shape his deep understanding of its administrative processes.
Dr. Ikharo serves as the Secretary to the Commission. His journey through different strategic units of the organisation has positioned him well for the role, affirming the popular saying that he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.
Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the Commission. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Director of Promotions, Discipline and Appeals, a role that placed him at the heart of staff management and administrative justice within the organisation. He later served as Director of Procurement and General Services from 2019 to 2020, overseeing critical operational and procurement processes of the Commission.
Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Ikharo is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), reflecting his commitment to professional development and capacity building in public service.Observers say his leadership style is defined by calm engagement rather than confrontation. At a time when rumours and internal tensions threaten to distract the Commission from its statutory mandate, his stewardship has focused on maintaining stability, reinforcing administrative procedures, and ensuring that the institution continues to carry out its responsibilities to the legislature and the Nigerian public.
Indeed, leadership within public institutions often unfolds quietly, away from public applause. Yet it is precisely in such moments of internal turbulence that the character of a public administrator becomes most visible. For Dr. Lucky Ikharo, the challenge has been to keep the Commission steady, demonstrating that experience, patience, and commitment to institutional integrity remain essential pillars of effective public service leadership.
Leadership Amid Turbulence: The Stewardship of Dr. Lucky Ikharo at the National Assembly Service Commission
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