Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly released no fewer than 100 captives in a renewed peace initiative aimed at restoring stability and ending years of bloodshed and abductions in Zamfara State and other parts of the North West.
The freed hostages — including men, women, and children — were said to have been held for several months in various forest camps under Turji’s control.
According to reports, the release followed ongoing dialogue and confidence-building measures spearheaded by community leaders, clerics, and traditional rulers in collaboration with the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace initiative.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the development via his X (Twitter) handle, stating that the victims were freed as part of a sustained negotiation process facilitated by local mediators.
Makama noted that the captives were handed over to local authorities, who then ensured their transfer to nearby medical facilities for health checks and psychological support before they were reunited with their families.
A source familiar with the negotiation process told Makama that the release formed part of a broader peace agreement reached with Turji’s camp. Under this accord, the bandit leader reportedly pledged to suspend hostilities and work toward reconciliation across Zamfara and neighboring states.
“Thirty-six people were initially released, followed by another batch of eight, bringing the total to 46. The remaining victims were later freed, making over 100 persons in total,” the source said.
He added that more captives could be released in the coming days as discussions between Turji’s group and peace mediators continue to progress.
Makama further revealed that authorities are maintaining strict surveillance to ensure the peace process remains genuine and to prevent any faction from exploiting the negotiations to regroup or rearm.
Bello Turji, long regarded as a symbol of terror in the North West, has been linked to numerous mass kidnappings, village attacks, and highway ambushes over the past decade.
