Notorious armed group leader Bello Turji has denied allegations that he received millions of naira and vehicles during peace negotiations with the Zamfara State Government, claiming he has never possessed as much as N5 million in his life.
Turji made the statement in a viral video circulating on social media, responding to allegations by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace mediator appointed by the Sokoto and Zamfara state governments.
Kamarawa had claimed that Turji was paid N30 million and given vehicles during meetings with former Zamfara governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence. According to the allegations, the payments were part of peace negotiations held in Gusau.
However, Turji dismissed the claims, describing them as false and misleading.
“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even N5 million,” he said. “We were never given the money you are talking about.”
He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during earlier negotiations and spreading misinformation. Turji insisted that his actions were not politically motivated and that he was not acting on behalf of any politician.
“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he stated, adding that no individual or political group sponsors him.
The bandit leader also accused former political leaders in the North-West of contributing to insecurity in the region, calling for investigations into their roles.
Despite his claims, Nigerian security agencies continue to identify Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in the North-West, and he remains wanted for terror-related activities.
Community leaders in Sokoto State have warned against politicising insecurity, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. Civil society groups have urged leaders to focus on lasting security solutions rather than public accusations.
Military operations against armed groups in the region are ongoing.
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