Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), the Security Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, has issued a strong call to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, urging him to demonstrate a sincere and immediate commitment to peace. This plea follows a widely circulated audio recording on social media where Turji expressed a willingness to embrace peace and encouraged other bandit leaders to consider dialogue as a path forward to ending the protracted violence in the North West region.

While welcoming Turji’s statement as a potential turning point and a hopeful step toward de-escalation, Colonel Usman emphasized that verbal commitments must be swiftly matched with tangible actions. He explicitly stated that for Turji’s sincerity to be credible, he must immediately release all kidnapped victims currently in his custody and cease all forms of attacks and violence against rural communities. “If Turji is genuinely committed to peace, he must prove it by halting all forms of violence and unconditionally releasing innocent civilians being held hostage,” Colonel Usman asserted.

The Security Adviser underscored the Sokoto State Government’s unwavering priority: the safety and welfare of its rural dwellers. He stressed that genuine dialogue cannot take place while communities remain in a state of fear and captivity, reiterating that true peace commences with concrete steps that are designed to build trust. Colonel Usman reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to support any credible peace initiative that promises lasting security and stability in the subregion. However, he also made it clear that acts of criminality will not be tolerated under any circumstances or guise.

In a broader appeal, Colonel Usman called upon various stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organizations, and religious institutions, to actively support the ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the region. He issued a direct appeal to Turji and others within his ranks, urging them to take this opportunity seriously by completely ceasing all violent operations and ensuring the safe return of all abducted individuals, thereby fostering an environment conducive to genuine and lasting peace.