Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist leader in Nigeria’s northwest, has claimed in a video that he is in negotiations with the federal and state governments.

Turji has evaded Nigerian troops while launching deadly terror attacks and making public statements for at least nine years.

In a video posted on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency expert, Turji said that the insurgency in the northwest was a result of a misunderstanding between himself and the government.

“So, no, we didn’t come here for trivial matters, God willing, to cause division among the Muslim community. We came to protect our community, to safeguard the information we share daily, God willing,” Turji says in the clip.

“Whoever is not pleased with this, by the will of Allah, let them revisit our statements, let them better understand what we mean, and they will come to realise our intentions, God willing. For us, what we know in our region is that we have no land better than this one. We are the people of this land.

“Whatever comes and enters, let it come, but later it will see the consequences. Behind the scenes, things are being done, and some things are happening due to a lack of understanding, God willing. That’s why we are speaking openly these days. Some people are seeking reconciliation with us, from the federal government to the state government.

“What we understand, God willing, is that we aim for peace to prevail in our regions. That’s what you’re hearing. We are working to provide information. Because what’s happening in secret, the community doesn’t know about it. In fact, this issue is becoming more critical. We believe that a lack of understanding has crept in, and the government has gotten involved without fully grasping the situation or standing firm on the matter.”

Bello Turji has been responsible for multiple deaths in the northwestern Sokoto, Zamfara and Kaduna states. He has also held many parts of these states hostage while taxing the locals. Yet, this would not be the first time government officials would sit at the negotiation table with him.

Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, while he was the governor of Zamfara State, decided to pardon Turji. When terrorism persisted, Matawalle claimed he had been betrayed by the terrorists.