Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders operating in the North West, is reportedly seeking peace following the death of his top field commander and cousin, Kachalla Yellow Danbokolo.

According to a report by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, Turji is allegedly reaching out to other bandit factions to convene a meeting to explore dialogue and possible surrender to authorities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.

The move comes in the wake of Danbokolo’s killing by security forces, which insiders say has crippled Turji’s operational capacity. Danbokolo was considered the backbone of Turji’s operations, leading violent raids, kidnappings, and controlling logistics across forest corridors.

 “Turji was the public figure, but Danbokolo was the real enforcer,” a source familiar with their network said. “Without him, Turji is significantly weakened.”

Makama noted that Turji’s peace overture may not stem from genuine repentance, but rather a tactical retreat in response to military pressure and strategic losses.

Security agencies have not officially responded to Turji’s reported gesture. However, analysts like Makama advise extreme caution, warning that any dialogue could be a deceptive ploy.

 “Turji must not be forgiven. The government must reject his plea to surrender,” Makama stated, citing intelligence inputs.

The development adds a fresh twist to Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry, with some questioning whether peace negotiations with hardened criminal leaders are viable or counterproductive.