By Emmanuel Obisue
Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji is reportedly reaching out for peace talks following the death of his cousin and top field commander, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo, according to multiple credible sources.
Turji, one of the most wanted terror leaders operating in Nigeria’s North West, is said to be calling a meeting with other armed groups to explore the possibility of surrender and negotiations with the governments of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
Nigerian Pilot reports that sources close to the situation believe Turji’s sudden shift may be prompted by the operational vacuum left by Danbokolo’s death. Danbokolo, who played a central role in Turji’s network, was responsible for leading raids, ambushes, and mass kidnappings across the region.
“Turji was largely the symbolic leader, but it was Danbokolo who ran the logistics, led the attacks, and controlled the forest routes. His death has left Turji exposed and weakened,” said one source familiar with the inner workings of the group.
Danbokolo sustained fatal injuries on June 23 during a joint operation by the Department of State Services, DSS, and HYBRID Forces in Chida village, Fakai District of Shinkafi LGA. Despite desperate efforts by his fighters to save him, he succumbed to his wounds on June 26.
Observers believe Turji’s peace gesture may be more of a strategic move than a genuine surrender, aimed at buying time and easing the pressure from sustained military offensives.
While security agencies have not officially responded to reports of Turji’s peace overtures, some analysts are urging extreme caution. “Turji must not be forgiven. The government must reject his plea to surrender,” one source emphasized.
Earlier on Sunday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, had issued a stern warning to terrorists and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s security, declaring that their defeat is inevitable and their threats hold no weight.
His warning came as troops of Operation Fasan Yama neutralised a notorious terror kingpin, identified as Mai Dada, during a counterattack in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
