Terrorist Leader Bello Turji Releases Captives, Surrenders Arms After Clerics’ Mediation

Notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has surrendered some of his arms and released 32 kidnapped individuals following a series of negotiations led by Islamic clerics. The dialogue, facilitated by cleric Musa Yusuf—popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah—was initiated by residents of Shinkafi Local Government Area, who sought safe access to their farmlands within the Fakai forest.

Mr Yusuf disclosed the outcome during a religious event in Kaduna, revealing that three meetings were held in July with Turji and other armed figures, including Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. He said all parties agreed to a set of peace proposals, including a phased surrender of arms and a commitment to allow farmers back to their lands. The clerics also secured the release of 32 kidnapped individuals—among them women and children—some of whom had been held captive for four months. Mr Yusuf noted that some women gave birth in captivity, and one suffered a snake bite during the ordeal.

The cleric confirmed that since the agreement, residents of the Shinkafi area have experienced relative peace and resumed farming activities without fear. However, he clarified that the group did not request Turji to surrender all his weapons to avoid exposing him to attacks by rival groups that might oppose the peace effort.

Mr Yusuf cautioned against inflammatory remarks by religious leaders on social media, warning that such rhetoric could jeopardize the fragile progress made. He stressed that while the agreement may not end terrorism in the broader region, communities within Turji’s sphere of influence are now enjoying greater stability.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for backing non-violent strategies to tackle the security crisis. Mr Yusuf’s remarks come as efforts continue to persuade Turji to embrace full disarmament and lasting peace.

Turji, in a previously released video, had claimed that peace would remain elusive unless security forces and vigilante groups ceased attacks on Fulani communities. He accused political leaders, including former Governor Bello Matawalle—now Minister of State for Defence—and Governor Lawal, of politicizing the crisis rather than prioritizing the welfare of their constituents.