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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
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NERC: Ramat’s confirmation will open Nigeria’s power sector to innovation, technology – Group says
NERC: Ramat’s confirmation will open Nigeria’s power sector to innovation, technology – Group says
A Youth Group under the auspices of Grassroots Mobilisers for Asiwaju/ Barau in Kano, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to speedily intervene to fast-track the conclusion of the confirmation of Engr Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The group recalled that President Tinubu had in August appointed Ramat as the CEO of NERC pending Senate confirmation.
The group chairman, Engr. Muhammad Sunusi in a press statement issued in Kano on Thursday said the delay should be addressed by Tinubu to conclude the confirmation and ensure that Nigerians tap from Ramat’s wealth of experience in the power sector.
Engr. Muhammad commended Tinubu for appointing a youth with a wealth of experience to drive a new level of leadership at NERC that is packed with innovation and technology, noting that Ramat’s appointment would be one of the best appointments if his confirmation is concluded.
According to the group, Engr.Ramat will bring in fresh ideas and innovations, harnessing his vast digital skills to drive in the much needed transformation that the power sector is in dire need of.
The group stated that Engr. Ramat, a professional technocrat, will use his vast experience in focusing towards improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s power sector, as well as contribute greatly to the good image and achievements of Mr President ahead of the 2027 general elections if confirmed.
The group said the call to Mr President followed allegations of a calculated move to block the confirmation of Dr Ramat’s successful screening.
“As Nigeria continues to strive for stability, growth, and technological advancement, we must not allow avoidable political distractions to stand in the way of progress.
“We learnt that Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat has already been screened and cleared by the Senate committee on Power, with zero petitions — a rare and powerful testament to his integrity, competence, and the confidence the industry places in him.
“Engr Ramat is an achiever per excellence and we know that he would add value to the growth of power sector industry in the country.
“At a time when Nigeria must move boldly toward digital transformation in power regulation, grid monitoring, data analytics, and transparency, Engr. Ramat’s strong background in Information Technology is exactly the kind of leadership the sector needs.
“His expertise aligns perfectly with the modern, tech-driven direction required to stabilise and strengthen our electricity ecosystem and help Mr President deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda for the power sector,” he said.
Engr. Muhammad therefore, urged those working to frustrate Ramat’s confirmation to allow justice and merit prevail over and above political interest and not to trade Nigerians’ progress and development for their personal interest.
“We join countless Nigerians in urging the Distinguished Senate to conclude his confirmation without further delay. This is a national duty, and the sector urgently requires credible, reform-minded, technology-focused leadership.”
NERC: Ramat’s confirmation will open Nigeria’s power sector to innovation, technology – Group says
Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has stated that the worst of Boko Haram insurgency is over, even as he acknowledged recent surges in attacks by the terrorist group.
Governor Zulum made the statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shuaibu Waidi, in Maiduguri.
Zulum, while delivering his remarks at the meeting, further explained his statement by reflecting on the more escalated security situation the state had previously endured. He stated that compared to the peak of the crisis years ago, the current security landscape, despite recent setbacks, shows significant improvement.
Zulum also called on the people of Borno State to continue giving their necessary cooperation and support to the military and other security agencies. He emphasised that the war against terrorism requires a collective effort, urging residents to be vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security operatives to prevent attacks and ensure a lasting return to peace in the state.
“Yes, we have witnessed a series of attacks on our communities and the security forces, but the worst is over; we shall continue to collaborate and provide the needed intelligence to our security forces to bring this madness to an end,” Zulum said.
“The frequency and scale of attacks on our communities then were overwhelming. Today, while we grieve any single setback, we can also see that the worst is indeed behind us. The trajectory is towards peace, and we are committed to sustaining it,” he added.
Zulum commiserated with the Nigerian Army over the recent tactical setbacks across the theatre. He praised the sacrifice and bravery of the officers and soldiers, describing them as heroes who, in some cases, pay the ultimate price for the nation’s security.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to reiterate that we stand with the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. We will not take their sacrifice for granted,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi, while giving the assurance of the Army headquarters to provide necessary logistics to the troops, also commended Governor Zulum for his support to the armed forces.
He said, “I want to most sincerely, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, extend our appreciation to His Excellency for visiting us at a time like this. We appreciate your support in Borno.”
He added, “We have confidence in our society here in the theatre and from the Army headquarters, we will provide all the necessary resources needed to ensure they achieve their mission.”
The meeting was attended by the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullaho Ishaq (Rtd) and other senior government officials.
Boko Haram: Zulum meets COAS, says the worst is over
Nigeria’s Keziah Jones Performs in Saudi Arabia at SAFAR Concert
By: Michael Mike
The Saudi Museums Commission, one of 11 sectors under the Ministry of Culture, has presented Nigerian singer-songwriter Keziah Jones at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax (SAMoCA), as part of its SAFAR live music programme.
Performing in Riyadh for the first time, Jones captivated audiences with his distinctive ‘Blufunk’ sound, a fusion of blues, funk, and global influences in a set that was both high-energy and deeply resonant.
Known for his exceptional guitar work, distinct rhythms, and magnetic stage presence, Jones entertained the lively crowd by effortlessly moving between driving funk grooves tosoulful blues passages and moments of intimate storytelling.
The Blufunk pioneer’s setlist blended fan favourites with improvisational flourishes, drawing on his Yoruba heritage while incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and rock.
Jones’s Riyadh debut drew an enthusiastic audience, with many experiencing his genre-defying sound for the first time. The evening embodied SAFAR’s mission to present diverse musical voices and foster cross-cultural dialogue through live music.
SAMoCA at Jax launched the SAFAR concert series on 28 October with an electric concert by French musical collective Bon Entendeur. Known for blending electronic / electro-chillsounds with disco, funk, and hip-hop influences, the groupdelivered a captivating performance.
The SAFAR programme continues with multimedia duo Love & Revenge, returning to the city with their unique blend of music and cinematic visuals. They will deliver a workshop on Sunday 7 December, before performing at the SAMoCA at JAX Outdoor Arena on Monday 8 December at 9:00 PM.
The audio-visual duo will perform Agmal Layali, a bold reimagining of Oum Kalthoum’s timeless legacy, marking the 50th anniversary of her passing. Agmal Layali remixes some of Oum Kalthoum’s most iconic pieces with contemporary electronic music, layered with cinematic visuals for a multisensory experience.
Love & Revenge’s performance bridges Oum Kalthoum’sunique, emotionally driven artistry with modern soundscapes, creating a cultural dialogue that introduces the Queen of Tarab to new generations while celebrating the Arab world’s cultural heritage.
End
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