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Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah
Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah
By: Zagazola Makama
Communities in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, as well as parts of Shinkafi in Zamfara, have rejected fresh calls for dialogue with notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The rejection was contained in a strongly worded response to Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, who had advocated for renewed peace talks with Turji and his fighters as a pathway to stability in the North-West.
Residents, in a statement circulated to newsmen on Wednesday, said they were the “direct victims” of Turji’s decade-long reign of terror and would not accept peace overtures that fail to address justice and the plight of displaced persons.
They recalled that over 13 years, Turji’s group had attacked no fewer than 89 villages in Sabon Birni and Isa axis, killing scores, abducting hundreds for ransom, and forcing more than two-thirds of the population into displacement within Niger Republic.
“Prof. Ribah, we are the natives of the lands Turji has destroyed; our parents and grandparents still live in these communities. We do not need second-hand information. We know this tragedy more than anyone,” the statement read.
The communities accused Turji’s fighters of widespread atrocities, including mass killings, arson, cattle rustling, abductions, extortion, and sexual violence against women.
They also faulted earlier government-backed peace initiatives, which they said failed to stop Turji despite financial inducements, provision of livestock feed, and even construction of houses in his base at Fakai.
“Every attempt at dialogue only emboldened him. Bello Turji continues to torment our people. Therefore, forcing us into another round of fruitless peace is unacceptable,” the residents said.
They questioned whether Prof. Ribah had ever consulted with traditional rulers or displaced community leaders from Sabon Birni and Isa before canvassing reconciliation with the warlord.
“Sulhu (peace) is desirable in Islam, but no believer is compelled to put his hand twice into the same pit. We have suffered too many losses. Our communities have no trust left in Turji,” the statement added.
The residents stressed that genuine peace could only come through justice, accountability, and restoration of the rights of affected villagers.
Bello Turji, designated by the military as a wanted bandit leader, has been accused of masterminding several deadly attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger Republic border communities.
Sokoto, Zamfara communities reject calls for dialogue with Turji, fault Prof. Ribah
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have neutralised two suspected terrorists during a night ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity/Siege Operations, took place at about 11:05 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at Bazamri village, a location identified as a major crossing point for members of the ISWAP.
According to the sources, troops laying ambush at the location intercepted and engaged the terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the neutralisation of two insurgents.
Following the encounter, troops carried out exploitation of the area and recovered several items suspected to be logistics supplies for the terrorists.
Recovered items included 54 packs of 80-gram detergent, 32 packs of 500-gram salt and one carton of spaghetti.
Military authorities confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The ambush team was said to have subsequently changed position and continued surveillance and waiting operations in the area as part of sustained offensive actions against terrorist movements.
Security sources added that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory, while offensive operations across the theatre continued.
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gombe State Office, on Tuesday, organised a state consultative meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection of human rights in the state.
The meeting which was held in Gombe brought together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), security agencies, community representatives, youth groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The engagement was to deliberate on the implementation of the NAP and to identify prevailing human rights concerns affecting citizens within Gombe State.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the engagement served as a platform for interaction, exchange of ideas and collective commitment towards strengthening human rights protection mechanisms in Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the State Coordinator, NHRC, Gombe State office Dr Joseph Wanshe, Ojukwu emphasised the importance of the NAP as a strategic framework designed to improve the human rights situation in the state and Nigeria through collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.
Wanshe, while presenting an overview of the NAP, explained that the NAP is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at ensuring the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights in accordance with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations ratified by Nigeria.
Mr Lemuel Akeweta while making his presentation said that the objectives of the meeting amongst others was to create awareness on the NAP for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Others he said was to encourage stakeholders’ participation in the implementation of the NAP; identifying prevailing human rights challenges within the state and strengthening collaboration among MDAs, CSOs and other stakeholders.
He also said that practical recommendations and way forward for effective implementation of the NAP at state and grassroots levels would be developed.
Our Correspondent reports that a total of 45 attendees cutting across 28 MDAs and 17 CSOs and a team of five NHRC staff were also present at the meeting.
NHRC, stakeholders meet to promote human rights in Gombe
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspected terrorist collaborators during a coordinated raid on identified enclaves in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said that the operation was carried out at about 0610 hours on May 10, 2026, by troops of Sector 3 OPWS deployed at Jimilari.
The sources said the troops conducted simultaneous raids on suspected terrorist hideouts at Binari, Chibi and Andamin communities following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal networks in the area.
According to the sources, three suspects believed to be providing support to terrorist elements were arrested during the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and possible links to wider criminal networks.
They added that troops will sustain clearance operations and intelligence-led raids across vulnerable communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area to dismantle support structures for criminal elements and restore security in the area.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Terrorist Collaborators in Taraba State Raid
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