Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has accused two former northern governors of fueling insecurity in the country, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

In a viral video, Turji alleged that past administrations armed vigilante groups known as Yan Banga, which he claimed disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and escalated violence.

He called for the arrest and investigation of the former governors, insisting: “We openly say that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto states are responsible for the calamities that befell these states.”

Turji confirmed attending peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during a previous administration but denied claims that he received ₦30 million or any inducement.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. We were never given the ₦30 million you are talking about,” he said.

Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has admitted to meeting former Zamfara State Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, at the Government House, following allegations made by the Minister’s former aide, Musa Kamarawa.😱 https://t.co/ybQ8ax8YtM pic.twitter.com/1VHenFpLSG

— My Deen My Swag 💫 (@AM_Saleeeem) December 13, 2025

Efforts to reach the former governors for comment proved abortive, while sources close to them dismissed Turji’s allegations as lies. The Ministry of Justice also declined to comment.

Meanwhile, security forces recorded a major breakthrough in Sokoto State, eliminating notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Na’Allah in Isa Local Government Area.

A joint team of Mobile Police, community guards, and the Nigerian Army intercepted Na’Allah between Girnashe and Kuka Tara villages, killing him in a decisive operation.

He was identified as a cousin of Ibrahim Chimmo, another infamous bandit leader operating in the Sububu Forest axis.

The operation came days after troops of the 8 Division neutralised another bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin LGA.

Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmad Usman (retd), commended the Army and other agencies for their sustained successes in dismantling criminal networks across Sokoto State.