By Erewunmi Peace

Abdullahi Shinkafi, a former Chairman of the Bandits Prosecution Committee and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has alleged that federal authorities halted a major security operation that was on the verge of capturing notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and hundreds of his foot soldiers.

Speaking in a recent interview on Channels Television, Shinkafi revealed that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), working in collaboration with the Community Protection Guards, had surrounded Turji’s hideout during an intense operation. However, according to him, the operation was suddenly stopped by directive from the federal government.

“The personnel of the Civilian JTF were deployed in collaboration with the Community Protection Guard to fight Turji. As the fight continued, they were about to capture Turji and many of his foot soldiers in their hundreds, but the fight was halted by the federal government. They were told to return to Shinkafi as the authorities were going into dialogue with Turji,” Shinkafi stated.

He further alleged that a federal delegation, led by a senator from Bauchi State—reportedly Senator Abdul Ningi—visited Turji’s camp to initiate peace talks. The move, Shinkafi said, was confirmed to him by a traditional ruler who received the delegation.

No Official Confirmation Yet

As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian military or the federal government confirming or denying Shinkafi’s claims. The Nigerian government has previously explored negotiation as a strategy for resolving violent banditry in the Northwest, though such moves have been met with mixed reactions from the public and security experts.

Turji: A Symbol of Impunity?

Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders, has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States. Despite multiple offensives by security forces in recent years, Turji has continued to evade arrest.

Shinkafi’s disclosure has sparked renewed debate over the government’s approach to insecurity in the region. Critics argue that initiating dialogue with high-profile bandits could embolden criminal elements, while proponents say peace talks might reduce violence in the short term.

Public Reaction

The revelation has triggered concern among citizens and stakeholders. Social media users, human rights groups, and analysts have questioned the rationale behind calling off an operation so close to success.

As insecurity continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, the nation watches closely for further developments—particularly any confirmation or rebuttal from the federal government or security agencies.