Notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji is allegedly making overtures for peace in the aftermath of the death of his top field commander and cousin, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo.
Turji is one of the most wanted terror leaders in Nigeria’s North West.
Salient Times reports that Danbokolo was recently neutralised by security operatives.
This was made known in X post on Monday by Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, citing multiple sources.
Makama disclosed that Turji was said to be calling for a meeting with other bandit groups, reportedly to discuss the possibility of surrendering and entering into dialogue with the government of the three states of the North West.
According to the report, Turji’s sudden pivot toward peace may be directly linked to the loss of Danbokolo.
The deceased commander served as the engine of Turji’s terror network, orchestrating and executing violent raids, ambushes, and mass abductions across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
“Turji was mostly the public face. It was Danbokolo who led the fighting forces, ran the logistics, and enforced their authority in the forest corridors. This is the first time he has been truly exposed. Without Danbokolo, his operational muscles is crippled,” said a source familiar with the group’s structure.
The security expert stated that security sources believe Turji’s current overture may not be out of genuine repentance but a tactical response to mounting pressure and operational losses.
Security agencies are yet to officially comment on Turji’s reported peace gestures, though analysts advise caution, warning that any engagement should be how to neutralize him.
“Turji must not be forgiven. The government must reject his plea to surrender,” Makama said, citing intelligence sources.
