A counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, has said the reported decision of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji to surrender and accept peace is motivated by survival, not genuine repentance.
Makama stated this in reaction to a recently circulated video in which Turji expressed willingness to lay down his arms and embrace peace.
The video, which went viral over the weekend, has stirred public speculation regarding the motive behind Turji’s apparent change of heart.
However, Makama in a post on X on Monday said the move was not the result of remorse but a strategic decision following the weakening of Turji’s operational strength.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened,” Makama said.
He noted that Turji’s decision followed the death of his key operational commander, Danbokolo, who was reportedly killed during a recent joint operation involving the State Security Services and a local security group known as the Hybrid Forces, which includes members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
According to Makama, Danbokolo was the main force behind Turji’s violent operations, including ambushes, raids, and executions. With his death, Turji’s network reportedly collapsed swiftly, leaving him vulnerable.
“Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting. Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger,” a security source said.
Sources indicate that the government is still considering how to handle Turji’s offer to surrender.
His potential disarmament is said to be under review, with security forces closely monitoring the situation.
Despite the development, experts have warned that Turji’s surrender alone will not mark the end of banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest, where several other armed groups remain active.
It remains unclear whether the government will grant Turji amnesty, given the scale of atrocities linked to him and his group in the region.
