Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has declared that his group is willing to engage in peace negotiations with the government but remains prepared to continue armed confrontation if military operations persist.

Turji made the remarks in a video recorded in Hausa and dated June 20, 2026, where he also claimed responsibility for recent attacks targeting security personnel in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The video has sparked renewed attention to the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-West region, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks despite sustained military operations.

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In the video, Turji indicated that his group was not opposed to negotiations and would welcome any genuine effort by authorities to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

According to him, the decision now rests with the government.

“If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes,” he said.

The bandit kingpin further stressed that his group would not abandon armed resistance if military pressure continued.

“We are ready for peace, but if they choose war, we are also ready. We will defend ourselves,” he added.

His comments come amid intensified security operations across parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and neighbouring states, where military forces have stepped up efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities.

The video surfaced only days after a deadly incident along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to local sources, suspected fighters loyal to Turji allegedly ambushed security personnel who were responding to a distress call in the area. Reports indicate that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded during the operation, leading to casualties among the responding troops.

Community and security sources claimed that at least four soldiers were killed during the attack, although military authorities had not officially confirmed the casualty figures at the time of reporting.

Turji has long been regarded as one of the most wanted armed group leaders operating in the North-West and has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and violent incidents across the region.

His latest comments have once again raised questions about the possibility of dialogue as part of efforts to address the persistent insecurity affecting several communities.

While some stakeholders have previously advocated negotiations as a means of reducing violence, others maintain that armed groups responsible for criminal activities should face the full weight of military and legal action.

For now, government authorities have not publicly responded to Turji’s latest statement regarding potential peace talks.