A new video has surfaced online showing a man believed to be Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders. In the recording, he claims responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In the video, Turji—who appeared masked and surrounded by armed men—said the attacks were in response to what he described as aggressions against local communities and their livestock.

Speaking in Hausa, he alleged that some people had been attacking communities and taking away their animals.

“Some people who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters, people who have done nothing wrong, in places such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Sabon Birni in Sokoto State and other surrounding areas,” he said.

“We killed them. May Allah help us to succeed in defeating them and in recovering our animals from their hands.”

Condition for Negotiation

Turji expressed a willingness to negotiate with the federal government but warned that his group was ready for continued conflict if force was used against them.

“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes,” he said.

Rising Security Concerns

The video emerged days after an attack along the Isa–Bargaja route, where suspected terrorists reportedly ambushed security personnel responding to a distress call. Sources say an explosive device was used, and there were casualties among security personnel—though authorities have not officially confirmed the numbers.

Security agencies have not yet commented on the video, and the authenticity of Turji’s claims remains unverified.

Earlier reports also indicated that Turji’s loyalists have been carrying out military-style training with newly acquired weapons in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border, including areas around Bingabale Kudu, Bafarawa East, and Bargaja.

Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted criminal figures, linked by authorities to numerous attacks across the North-West region.