Bello Turji and the Banditry Menace in the North West – The Way Forward for Nigeria

Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader in Northern Nigeria, has been involved in a series of kidnappings that have caused fear and uncertainty in local communities.

His criminal activities have intensified in recent months, resulting in numerous mass kidnappings and ransom demands.

Turji is believed to operate from the forests of Zamfara State and has been involved in several high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of hundreds of school children from their boarding schools.

His typical approach involves attacking villages, overpowering local security forces and taking innocent civilians hostage.

The bandit leader is known for demanding exorbitant ransoms for the release of his captives, often forcing families to liquidate their assets and go into debt to meet his demands.

In some cases, victims have faced torture and ill-treatment, further exacerbating the trauma for them and their families.

The consequences of Turji’s actions have been devastating for the affected communities, resulting in displacement, economic distress and a breakdown of law and order. Many people have fled their homes in search of safety, while others live in a state of constant fear.

Turji’s familiarity with the local terrain and his ability to mobilize large numbers of fighters have made it extremely difficult for security services to capture him.

Naija News Turji’s ongoing reign of terror in northern Nigeria is reportedly a clear example of the country’s ongoing security challenges.

The bandit threat in the northwest

In an exclusive interview with Naija News, renowned security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, indicated that banditry has become a persistent and deadly problem in the North-West and North-Central regions of Nigeria.

According to him, unlike the insurgency in the northeast, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State in the West Africa province (ISWAP) operate from an ideological angle, the violence in the northwest is mainly criminal.

“This criminality, often referred to as “BARAYIN JEJI” (forest bandits), has terrorised local communities through raids, cattle theft, kidnapping for ransom, killings and imposition of illegal levies on farming communities.

“Despite the ongoing military operations by the Nigerian security forces, bandits continue to engage in these sinister activities, creating a seemingly never-ending cycle of violence and terror in the region. Military campaigns including Operation Hadarin Daji and other special operations led by the Joint Task Force (JTF) of the Defence Headquarters and ad-hoc military formations such as the 1st, 3rd and 8th Divisions have made significant progress. Hundreds of bandits, including top barons, have been neutralized in the past year. Yet, banditry continues to plague the region as new criminal leaders quickly emerge to replace those brought down,” Makama observed.

Notorious Bandit Leaders Killed by Nigerian Military

In a recent publication, Naija News highlighted some notorious bandit leaders killed by Nigerian Army troops in recent attacks.

It is remarkable that these bandits are spreading fear and chaos in the villages and are acting with increasing brutality and impunity.

Makama further affirmed the success of the Nigerian Army, noting that in the past 12 months, the military troops, in collaboration with local militias and security forces, have killed several known bandit leaders, including Kachalla Ali Kawaje, the mastermind behind the kidnapping of students of the Federal University of Gusau.

Other examples include: Kachalla Jafaru, Kachalla Barume, Kachalla Shehu, Tsoho, Kachalla Yellow Mai Buhu, Yellow Sirajo, Kachalla Dan Muhammadu, Kachalla Makasko, Sanda, Abdulbasiru Ibrahim, Mai Wagumbe, Kachalla Begu, Kwalfa, Ma’aikaci, Yellow Hassan, Umaru Na Bugala, Isyaka Gwarnon Daji, Iliya Babban Kashi, Auta Dan Mai Jan Ido and Yahaya Dan Shama.

Those recently neutralized include: Kacalla Ɗan Baleri, Kacalla Dogo Kwaɗɗi, Lawalli Dodo, Kacalla Naguru, Kacalla Ɗan-Babirki, Kacalla Hana-Zuwa, Kacalla Adamu and the most recent was Kachallah Buzu aka Sububu.

One of the most recent and high profile deaths was that of Kachalla Buzu, also known as Sububu, a notorious bandit leader. This success, attributed to the intensified efforts of Operation Hadarin Daji in collaboration with the Zamfara State government-backed militia, has sent ripples through the criminal underworld.

What comes after these victories? Will the conquest of Bello Turji mean the end?

It is noteworthy that banditry in Nigeria is often organised in networks or gangs with multiple leaders and commanders.

After the recent military victories in the fight against terrorism in the country, many Nigerians are convinced that the killing of Bello Turji will be the big news in the country.

It is thought that the death or capture of Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader, could create a power vacuum, leading to infighting between rival factions and thus a virtual end to banditry in Nigeria.

While the death of Bello Turji could have a significant impact on banditry in Nigeria, it is unlikely to be a panacea. according to Naija News’ beliefs.

The fight is far from over – says Makama

Asked whether the recent victories of the security services in the country could be seen as an imminent end for the criminal groups, Makama said: “Despite these victories, the fight is far from over as bandits continue to carry out clashes and attacks in vulnerable communities.

“Rivalry and power struggles between bandit groups have further complicated the situation, leading to violent clashes between factions.

“For example, since April 2024, a violent feud has erupted between bandit leaders Sani Dangote and Dankarami (also known as Gwaska), resulting in the deaths of dozens of bandits. This internal struggle for dominance among the criminal factions, while deadly, only serves to further destabilize the region.”

The Rising Threat of Gwaska Dankarami

Gwaska Dankarami, who has emerged as one of the most dangerous and influential bandit leaders in the northwest, is currently at the centre of the power struggle, Makama noted.

He added: “His recent attacks on rival bandit factions, including the killing of Sani Dangote’s associates, have portrayed him as a major threat not only to the bandits themselves but also to security forces and local communities. Dankarami’s growing power highlights a disturbing reality: As long as one bandit leader is killed, another, often more dangerous, will rise to take their place.”

Makama’s contribution about Bello Turji

“For many Nigerians, the hope is that the death of Bello Turji, one of the most notorious bandit leaders, would be the turning point in the fight against banditry.

“Turji’s campaign of terror has left a trail of devastation and fear across the northwest, and his death would undoubtedly bring relief to the families of his many victims.

“However, experts warn that the killing of Bello Turji would not mean the end of banditry in the region. There are other bandit leaders such as Alhaji Shingi, Alhaji Nashama, Ado Allero, Dogo Gide and Dankarami who are equally dangerous, if not more so. While Turji’s approach is driven by youthful aggression, older bandits like Nashama command respect and loyalty from other bandit factions, making them even harder to defeat,” the security analyst noted.

The government must invest in long-term solutions

According to Makama, more than military operations are needed to end banditry in the northwest. While the military has achieved significant victories, its efforts only address part of the problem.

He noted that banditry is deeply rooted in socio-economic problems such as illiteracy, poverty and poor governance. The government must address these root causes if there is to be a lasting solution to the conflict.

“The Nigerian government has made some efforts to engage local communities in the fight against banditry, particularly through initiatives such as the Zamfara State Security Watch, which involves local youth in community security efforts. While this has yielded positive results, more needs to be done. Authorities need to adopt a deliberate and targeted approach, involving the major sponsors of banditry, who operate behind the scenes, often involved in illegal mining and other illicit activities. These sponsors are the real drivers of the conflict, using bandits as pawns to achieve their broader criminal goals.

“Government must also invest in long-term solutions such as education, job creation and poverty reduction. These efforts would help prevent youth from being sucked into banditry in the first place. Furthermore, there must be political will to tackle corruption and impunity, and ensure that those who support or benefit from banditry are brought to justice,” Makama noted.

In his latest comment on the insecurity in the northwestern region of the country, Makama said: “Although the military has made significant progress in the fight against banditry in the northwest, the problem is far from being solved.

“As long as socio-economic problems persist and criminal sponsors continue to operate with impunity, banditry will continue to pose a serious threat to the stability of the region.

“A multidimensional approach, combining military action with governance reforms, community engagement and economic development, is the only way to ensure long-term peace and security in the Northwest.”

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