Bello Turji Kachalla, commonly known as Turji, is a notorious bandit leader who has carried out numerous attacks in the northern states of Nigeria, including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger. Turji is accused of leading a group of bandits from January 4 to 6, 2022, during which over 200 people, including women and children, were killed in Zamfara State.

In a new video obtained by SaharaReporters, Turji alleged that the security issues plaguing the country have the full support of the former Zamfara State Governor, Matawalle. He claims to possess evidence supporting this assertion.

In the video, Turji said, “My name is Muhammed Bello Turji, and I have released this video to reach all Nigerians, from leaders to the common people. This is the message I want to convey to everyone.

“The security challenges facing our country have the full support of the previous government in Zamfara State. I have evidence to back this claim. The previous administration, under His Excellency Bello Mattawallen Maradun (Minister of State for Defence), is known to everyone in the region.

“This government was complicit in supporting terrorism. There are people from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video.

“Most Nigerians, for example, those in Bauchi or Kaduna, might not know the problems occurring in Zamfara. Nevertheless, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, full details, and evidence. I urge them to investigate the actions of these individuals and their past discussions with them. As someone from this region (Northwest), I swear before God that I am telling the truth.

“The previous Zamfara State government, under Mattawalle, facilitated negotiations but also undermined them. Many negotiations were held, but they failed because everyone in Shinkafi and Isah knows the truth. For instance, the late Dillu was expelled because he refused to agree to peace in Shinkafi. They possessed over 200 guns, and Mattawalle invited them to the government house. If I am lying, there are still people in the government house who can confirm this.

“When we killed Dillu, Kabiru Maniya should have disclosed where the federal or Zamfara and Sokoto governments discussed with him to lay down his arms. Bashir Maniya should also tell us where he is hiding his weapons. Everyone knows they have over 300 guns, of which I have retrieved 30. They should come out and reveal the truth of what is happening.

“As we speak, they are in Sokoto town. People like Malam Murtala Asada (Islamic scholar) have been saying that some of Turji’s (bandits) men are freely roaming Sokoto town, referring to Maniya and his group, who are suspected of hiding over 300 guns in a certain location.

“There are bandit leaders and their children hiding in various neighborhoods with guns ranging from 150 to 300, but now they claim to work with government soldiers as part of a repentance deal. Whenever the bandits want to carry out an attack anywhere, they advise the security personnel to vacate areas in Sokoto to allow for the attacks. If I am lying, the people of Mai Lalle should come out and deny that they are not always attacked.

“The bandits attacking them are from the Shehu area of the Gonbro forest in Sokoto. Dan Maigari, Bashari’s brother, has 150 guns and has coordinated several attacks in Maradun. Ali, Kabiru Mani’s boy, attacks Tangaza, and these people live freely in Sokoto city. Kabiru, Buhari, and others live comfortably in Sokoto.

“Three weeks ago, it was said that Buhari’s brother took up arms in Sokoto. If I am lying, let them come out and refute it. But I can provide evidence that Buhari fired a GPMG. They should tell us who provided these children with the weapons they are using. The government should disclose this to Nigerians and stop accusing Bello Turji of killing people and kidnapping. Who is kidnapping people around Sokoto, Achida, and Goronyo? Turji, at present, is peacefully residing in Shinkafi, without blame.

“Let the government come forward and take responsibility for some of the terrorism being committed and stop falsely accusing others.”

In 2022, SaharaReporters reported that Matawalle, as the Governor of Zamfara, donated 15 brand new Hilux vehicles to various bandit leaders in the state. Some of the beneficiaries included Na Shama, Sani Shaidan, Mohammadu Bello Halilu, and Bage Waye. Other bandits who received the vehicles included Kachalla, Ado, Busniya, Dunbulu, and Gajere.

SaharaReporters learned that the former governor also approved millions of naira to be given to repentant bandits as compensation.