Truth Radar Times

June 21, 2026 01:57am

By santiki John Gursa

A suspected bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives and cattle rustling operations across parts of northwestern Nigeria in a newly released video.

In the footage, reportedly recorded on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the masked figure—believed to be Turji—appeared alongside armed men dressed in military camouflage, with visible stockpiles of ammunition behind them.

Speaking in Hausa, the individual alleged that the attacks were carried out in retaliation against those he accused of killing members of his community and seizing their livestock in several local government areas, including Shinkafi in Zamfara State and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State.

“We thank God for allowing us to witness this day… In our country Nigeria, we are facing attacks and hardships every day,” he said. “Some people are driving away our livestock and killing our innocent brothers and sisters… Allah granted us victory over them. We killed them.”

Although no specific casualty figures were provided, the speaker claimed that his group had ambushed and killed security operatives, as well as targeted individuals accused of cattle rustling.
The video has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West region, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks, abductions, and raids despite ongoing military operations.

Bello Turji is among the most wanted bandit leaders in the region and has been linked to multiple deadly incidents across Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighbouring states over the years.
Source: SaharaReporters