Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has appeared in a newly released video responding to allegations linking him and other criminal figures to financial support from former Zamfara Governor and current Defence Minister Bello Matawalle. The footage comes amid ongoing disputes over claims that the state government funded or equipped terror groups as part of a controversial peace initiative.
In the video response, Turji acknowledged having met with Matawalle and others during peace dialogue efforts in Zamfara but firmly rejected assertions that he received money from the governor. He described political figures using his name for propaganda and insisted that any interaction with state actors was tied to peace negotiations rather than financial reward. Turji also alleged suffering losses from military action during that period, suggesting strained relations with the former governor.
The renewed spotlight on Turji’s alleged connections arises from claims by a former aide to Matawalle, who provided detailed testimony about government transactions involving livestock and vehicles, purportedly given to Turji and other bandit figures. The Defence Minister’s camp has countered by characterising that aide as a gun runner rather than a reliable source, asserting that his involvement stemmed from efforts to mediate peace rather than any endorsement of insurgents.
The exchange underscores the enduring controversy over past peace strategies employed in northwest Nigeria, where direct dialogue with criminal networks was once pursued alongside military operations. Critics argue such approaches risked inadvertently empowering outlaw groups, while defenders say engagement was necessary to stabilise violent zones.
