The Sokoto State Government has called on notorious bandit leader Bello Turji to prove he truly wants peace by stopping attacks on villages and releasing all kidnapped victims still in his custody.

This follows Turji’s recent audio message where he expressed interest in peace and urged other armed groups to do the same.

Reacting to the message, the Security Adviser to the Governor of Sokoto State, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), said the government would only take Turji seriously if he backs his words with real action.

“Anyone can say they want peace. But the real test is what they do next. If Turji is serious, he should stop attacking our rural communities and release the innocent people he’s still holding.”

He added that the Sokoto State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, remains focused on restoring peace and supporting security agencies.

However, he warned that the government will not let its guard down or fall for statements without substance.

“This government will not be swayed by audio messages. Peace must come through action, not just words,” he said.

Usman stressed that the state will continue working with communities and security forces to protect lives and resist any group trying to destabilise the region.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols across Benin City and other local government headquarters in Edo State in response to intelligence reports over planned cult-related activities associated with the so-called ‘7/7’ celebration by members of the Black Axe confraternity.

The Edo State Police Command said the proactive security deployment is aimed at forestalling any potential breakdown of law and order during the period leading up to and including July 7.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that the action followed credible intelligence suggesting that certain cult groups were plotting to unleash violence across parts of the state on the date in question.

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has issued a stern warning to owners of hotels, lounges, bars, and other recreational centres, advising them against allowing their premises to be used for unlawful assemblies.

“Any individual or business that facilitates or accommodates such criminal gatherings will be held accountable and dealt with in accordance with the law,” the police chief warned.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious movements or gatherings in their communities.

Members of the public were also encouraged to contact the police through their emergency numbers if they witness any violence.

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.