In Zamfara, Bandits Kingpin Bello Turji Frees Over 100 Abductees in Renewed Peace Effort
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released more than 100 captives in a fresh peace initiative aimed at restoring stability and ending years of violent attacks and mass abductions in Zamfara State, PRNigeria learnt.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the release followed sustained dialogue and confidence-building engagements led by community leaders, with facilitation under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace process.
The freed victims—comprising men, women, and children—were handed over to local authorities for documentation and immediately taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and counseling before being reunited with their families.
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A source involved in the negotiation disclosed that the development stemmed from ongoing discussions with Turji’s camp, centered on encouraging armed groups to embrace peace and end hostilities in Zamfara and neighboring communities.
“Initially, 36 people were released, followed by another batch of eight, bringing the total to 46. The remaining captives were freed in subsequent phases, making over 100 in all,” the source said.
The source added that more releases are expected in the coming days as dialogue continues between Turji’s representatives and mediators.
Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up surveillance and intelligence monitoring to ensure that the peace process remains credible, transparent, and not exploited by any group to regroup or rearm.
By PRNigeria
