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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
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Buratai District, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two of the attackers in the process.
According to sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of April 25, 2026, when troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion detected a large number of terrorists attempting to infiltrate their defensive location at LIMA 3 Chara using surveillance systems.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers and held their ground while reinforcement teams swiftly mobilised to the location to support the operation.
The combined response forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray after a brief but intense firefight. During the exchange, two terrorists were neutralised, while one motorcycle used by the attackers was destroyed. Troops also recovered a cache of ammunition from the scene.
No casualties were recorded on the side of the friendly forces, while the situation remains under close monitoring as exploitation operations continue.
Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise fighters, recover weapons
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 1 Brigade, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (ZSCPG), have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 2:40 p.m. on April 24 at Lalan Commercial Motor Park in Gusau following credible intelligence.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while attempting to board a commercial vehicle heading to Shinkafi town.
According to the sources, a search conducted on the suspect led to the discovery of ammunition concealed inside a container of palm oil.
Items recovered include 270 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 54 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspect received the consignment from an individual identified as Abubakar Danfulani in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, for onward delivery to TsaiKa village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
The suspect is currently in custody of the Joint Investigation and Fusion Centre (JIFC), Operation Forest Yaki, for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities said the interception is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and arms supply chains across the North-West.
Troops Intercept Terrorist Logistics Courier, Recover Ammunition in Zamfara
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Nigeria Launches Investigative Guide to Tackle Sexual Violence, Strengthen Justice for Survivors
Nigeria Launches Investigative Guide to Tackle Sexual Violence, Strengthen Justice for Survivors
By: Michael Mike
In a renewed push to confront the widespread challenge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), key stakeholders across Nigeria’s justice sector and international community on Thursday unveiled a new investigative tool aimed at improving the handling and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
The Quick Reference Guide for Investigating Sexual Assault was launched at a high-level event attended by members of the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, government institutions, civil society groups, and development partners. The initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of frontline responders and ensure a more coordinated, survivor-centred approach to justice delivery, particularly in the insurgency-affected Northeast.
Speaking at the launch, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, described the guide as a critical step forward in addressing gaps in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases.
He noted that communities in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States have endured years of conflict and displacement, conditions that have heightened the risk of sexual violence and deepened the need for effective justice mechanisms.
Toure explained that the guide provides practical, field-based direction for responders, outlining key steps from the point of reporting to the preparation of case files. It also incorporates referral pathways to ensure survivors are promptly connected to medical, legal, and psychosocial support services.
He acknowledged the Government of Canada for its support, emphasizing that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ending impunity and ensuring that survivors have access to justice. He further stressed that the initiative was driven by Nigerian institutions and developed through consultations with local experts, making it both context-specific and sustainable.
A major focus of the guide, according to Toure, is the proper handling of forensic evidence—often the deciding factor in securing convictions. He warned that poorly collected or mishandled evidence continues to undermine cases, allowing perpetrators to evade justice. To address this, the initiative is complemented by ongoing efforts to strengthen forensic infrastructure, including upgrades to sexual assault referral centres and laboratory capacity in Abuja.
Also addressing participants, Hon. Justice Obiora Egwuatu painted a sobering picture of the prevalence and impact of SGBV in Nigeria, describing it as a daily reality cutting across all communities. He defined SGBV as acts driven by unequal power relations and harmful gender norms, encompassing offences such as rape, domestic violence, child marriage, sexual harassment, and economic abuse.
He noted that while women and girls remain the most affected, men and boys also suffer in silence due to stigma and societal expectations that discourage disclosure.
According to him, the consequences of SGBV are devastating, ranging from physical injuries and psychological trauma to unwanted pregnancies, infections, and, in extreme cases, death.
Beyond individual victims, he said, the ripple effects of such violence destabilize families, strain public health systems, and weaken the social fabric of communities.
Justice Egwuatu identified several barriers to addressing SGBV effectively, including a culture of silence, stigma, weak reporting systems, delayed investigations, poor evidence management, and low conviction rates. He also highlighted the lack of accessible support services such as shelters, legal aid, and mental health care, which leaves many survivors without adequate assistance.
He further pointed to entrenched cultural norms and economic hardship as drivers of vulnerability, particularly for women and children, while conflict situations continue to exacerbate risks.
Calling for a collective response, the judge stressed that ending SGBV requires action beyond government institutions. He urged individuals, families, religious bodies, schools, and community groups to play active roles in supporting survivors, challenging harmful norms, and exposing perpetrators.
“We must break the silence, believe survivors, and ensure that justice is not denied,” he said, adding that the newly launched investigative aide-memoire would serve as a vital resource for judges, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders in strengthening accountability.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that while the launch of the guide marks significant progress, sustained collaboration, improved institutional capacity, and societal change will be critical to ending sexual violence and ensuring justice for survivors across Nigeria.
Nigeria Launches Investigative Guide to Tackle Sexual Violence, Strengthen Justice for Survivors
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
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