Notorious Nigerian bandit leader Bello Turji has publicly denied ever possessing N5 million or receiving any significant cash or material benefits during peace talks with the Zamfara State Government. His comments came in a viral video circulating on social media in which he responded to claims made by a former peace mediator.
The peace mediator, Musa Kamarawa, alleged that Turji was given N30 million and vehicles during discussions with officials of the former Zamfara governor’s administration aimed at reducing insecurity in the region. Kamarawa made these claims as part of a broader narrative about how negotiations with armed groups were conducted.
However, Turji strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that he has never had even five million naira in his life. “By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even N5m,” he said in the clip, adding that the engagements with government representatives were meant for peace building, not personal gain. He maintained that no money or vehicles were given to him or any Fulani leader involved in the talks.
In his rebuttal, Turji also accused Kamarawa of spreading “lies and deceit” and betraying the confidence of those involved in the negotiation process. He stressed that his activities are not for personal enrichment and sought to distance himself from political motives.
Turji’s statements come amid growing scrutiny of peace deals and negotiations with armed groups in northwest Nigeria, where insecurity has remained a major challenge for authorities and communities alike.
