CDS Musa Under Fire As Infamous Bandit Turji Bello Seeks Peace, Ends Reign Of Terror

Nearly a year after Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Chris Musa, vowed to crush notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, a dramatic twist has emerged — according to iReporter Online, Turji has reportedly initiated peace overtures, surrendered some weapons, and released 32 kidnapped victims as a gesture of goodwill.

The unexpected shift comes after a series of covert meetings led by Islamic clerics in Zamfara State, notably Alfa Musa Yusuf, also known as Asadus-Sunnah.

The cleric revealed during a religious lecture in Kaduna that the dialogue took place deep in the Fakai forest of Shinkafi Local Government Area. “It was not an easy journey,” Asadus-Sunnah said. “We had to cross rivers without canoes and ride motorbikes far into the bush to reach Turji’s camp.”

According to iReporter Online, the cleric said the initiative was requested by residents of Shinkafi, who have been living under constant siege from armed bandits.

The peace talks, held on three separate occasions in July, included high-profile bandit leaders such as Dan Bakkolo, Black and Kanawa, and Malam Ila. Contrary to rumours, Dan Bakkolo is still alive and attended the meetings.

Turji and his lieutenants reportedly agreed to a phased disarmament and have already surrendered some arms while granting farmers access to previously dangerous farmland.

The release of 32 captives, mainly women and children, marked a significant step in the peace process.

Asadus-Sunnah disclosed that some of the victims had spent over four months in captivity, suffering harsh conditions, with some women giving birth and others battling illnesses like snakebites.

However, he warned that a full disarmament at this stage could be dangerous, as rival factions not part of the peace process may exploit Turji’s vulnerability. “We’re treading carefully,” he said, urging security agencies to allow the peace initiative to mature gradually.

According to iReporter Online, President Bola Tinubu, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba have all expressed support for non-kinetic solutions to Nigeria’s security crisis.

The cleric further called on religious leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could derail the delicate talks.

This new chapter contrasts sharply with General Musa’s earlier hardline stance. At a press conference on September 10, 2024, the CDS branded Turji a “deranged terrorist” and pledged that his days were numbered. “It’s just a matter of time,” Musa had declared confidently.

While many of Turji’s key foot soldiers — including his son and cousin, Yellow Danbokolo — have been eliminated, Turji himself has eluded capture.

According to iReporter Online, this growing pressure may have prompted the bandit kingpin to seek a “soft landing” through dialogue and negotiation.

Now, as the region watches closely, Turji’s unexpected pivot from bloodshed to bargaining may mark the beginning of a fragile but much-needed peace.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”