Our meeting with bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji – Cleric

A prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadussunna, has disclosed how his Peace Committee facilitated a peace agreement between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the federal government. This led to the release of 32 abductees and the surrender of a cache of arms. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Sheikh Asadussunna revealed that he […]

A prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadussunna, has disclosed how his Peace Committee facilitated a peace agreement between notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and the federal government. This led to the release of 32 abductees and the surrender of a cache of arms.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Sheikh Asadussunna revealed that he and his team had made three separate visits last month to Fakai, a remote community in Kebbi State, to engage in dialogue with bandit leaders operating in the area. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation in Islam, stating that peace talks with armed groups are yielding positive results in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“There is blessing in reconciliation in Islam, that is why we entered into peace discussions,” he said.

When asked about the meeting, Sheikh Asadussunna said, “Yes, it is true that we held discussions with Bello Turji. In fact, we met at least three times a month, all facilitated by Dr. Ahmad Gumi. Reconciliation has always been a key principle in Islam to ensure peace.

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In the past, the people of Shinkafi reconciled with him, and the peace lasted for about a year. They fully understood the benefits of reconciliation, but that was at a local level.

“This time, the federal government was involved, along with all relevant security agencies. We gave the group the opportunity to express all their concerns, and we listened carefully.

“Nothing was done in secret, it was an open process. Turji eventually gave an order lifting the ban on movements in all the areas under his influence and allowing farming activities to resume. He agreed to the reconciliation process and committed to surrendering arms.

“Secondly, he agreed that people should return to their farms. We deserve some recognition for these efforts.

Between Birnin Gwari in Kaduna alone, within a week, we rescued over 200 people. Among those rescued was a person who had spent one year and two months in captivity. What we need is to sit down and find a lasting solution to these problems.

“We have never called for dialogue with Boko Haram, because their ideology is entirely different, even Turji himself acknowledged that.

Now that these groups have agreed that clerics can intervene and dialogue is possible, isn’t this the time to seek a solution—or shall we wait until others are misled again?”

He narrated the rigorous journey undertaken by the peace delegation, which involved crossing a flooded stream on foot in a community called Maberaya and traveling long distances on motorcycles through thick forests to meet with the armed men.

“We met them where they live and interacted with community members and the local imam. We preached to them before government officials arrived to present the terms of peace,” he said.

Sheikh Musa stated that the delegation, which included more than twenty scholars and government representatives, urged the bandits to surrender their weapons as a show of commitment to peace.

“They surrendered their weapons during our meeting, which is a strong sign they want peace,” he disclosed.

He added that the group agreed to stop harassing farmers and allow them access to their farmlands without fear or extortion.

However, the cleric warned that the threat extends beyond notorious figures like Bello Turji.

“People think once Turji is neutralised, the crisis is over. But there are others — like Dan Bakwalo, Dan Kanyawa, Malam Ila, and one called Black — they are still active. I saw and spoke with them,” he revealed.

He also spoke about a notorious bandit, Kachalla Dan Sadiya, accused of killing 38 people, and confirmed the rescue of 32 abductees from Turji’s custody through peace efforts.

“It’s not just me. I led a committee of scholars. We are working hand in hand with security agencies, and the government gave the green light to try peace because scholars recommended it,” he said.

According to Sheikh Musa, the current goal is not just disarmament, but a total ceasefire.

“Many of the fighters are tired of the violence themselves. The problem is, some are not ready for peace — but those who are, are helping to deal with the rest,” he said.

He cited a recent incident in Kaduna where a bandit known as Kachalla Musa was killed, not by security forces, but by fellow fighters who had embraced peace. Another recruiter, Kachalla Isa Doho, was reportedly killed by his own men for resisting dialogue.

“What the government now seeks is a complete cessation of hostilities. The time for genuine peace is now,” Sheikh Musa concluded.

Speaking during one of his sermons, the prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric also revealed that the committee held a series of dialogue sessions with Turji and his top commanders in a remote part of Zamfara State before reaching the historic accord.

While the cleric refrained from providing detailed accounts of what transpired during the talks, he confirmed that the meetings took place in Fakai, Turji’s hometown in the Shinkafi Local Government Area.

“We endured great difficulties to reach them. On the day we visited Maberaya, heavy rains caused flooding and blocked the usual route. Some of us had to roll up our trousers and wade through the river.

“After crossing, we rode motorcycles for several hours through dense forests before arriving at Fakai. There are communities there, and mountains where they retreat during attacks.”

The meeting, he said, was attended by Turji and some of his lieutenants, including the Danbokolo, who was earlier said to be killed.

“We listened to their grievances and presented our conditions. They agreed to surrender their weapons and allow farmers to return to their lands. When minor issues arose — such as reports of Fulani being arrested while visiting towns — we intervened and helped resolve them,” he stated.

According to him, the release of 32 hostages — some of whom had spent up to four months in captivity, including women who gave birth while held — marked a significant step forward.

“We risked our lives for this cause. May Allah reward us and allow the people to remember our efforts after our deaths,” he added.

The cleric, who said the federal government gave full consent for the negotiations, commended President Tinubu for supporting peace efforts in the region.

“Anyone blaming the president for the security challenges is being unfair. He has given the North all the support it needs to resolve this crisis,” he said, also praising National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their roles.

He expressed concern about the scale of Turji’s militia, revealing that more than 500 armed fighters attended the meeting — and that they reportedly represent just one percent of Turji’s total force. He also recounted seeing boys as young as 10 wielding AK-47 rifles.

However, despite the peace accord, incidents of violence continue to cast doubt on the truce’s sustainability.

A resident of Isa, speaking anonymously, said that for the agreement to endure, active participation of state and local governments is essential.

“We heard that during one meeting, Turji asked if the Zamfara State Government was involved, warning that the accord wouldn’t last without their buy-in,” the source said.

The source further disclosed that some bandits loyal to Turji recently abducted residents of Shinkafi despite receiving ransom payments. On Tuesday, two commuters were reportedly killed by gunmen along the Shinkafi–Isa road.

These incidents underscore lingering concerns about the depth of control Turji holds over his fighters and raise questions about the enforcement of the terms of the agreement.