Bello Turji Frees Over 100 Hostages in Renewed Peace Effort Across Zamfara State
In what appears to be a major breakthrough toward restoring calm in the North West, notorious bandits’ leader Bello Turji has reportedly freed over 100 hostages, including men, women, and children, in a renewed peace effort across Zamfara State and adjoining regions.
The captives, PulseNets learnt, had been held in different forest camps under Turji’s control for several months before their unexpected release.
According to credible intelligence obtained by PulseNets, the freedom of the victims followed intense dialogue and confidence-building engagements initiated by respected community leaders, Islamic clerics, and traditional rulers in collaboration with the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace initiative.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the development in a statement on his verified X handle. He noted that the release resulted from a sustained negotiation process involving local mediators and that the victims have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“The freed hostages were immediately taken to a nearby medical facility for proper health screening and psychological evaluation before being reunited with their families,” Makama stated.
A source close to the ongoing peace talks told PulseNets that the move was part of a broader truce brokered with Turji’s camp. The bandit leader reportedly agreed to suspend hostilities and embrace reconciliation efforts aimed at ending the cycle of violence that has devastated Zamfara and neighboring states for years.
“At first, 36 persons were released, followed by another eight. Later, more captives regained their freedom, bringing the total to over 100,” the source revealed, adding that additional releases were expected as negotiations continue.
Another insider spoke to PulseNets, confirming that both the mediators and security agencies are exercising strict surveillance to ensure the peace process remains credible and not exploited by any group seeking to regroup or rearm.
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Bello Turji, once seen as the face of terror in the North West, has been implicated in multiple mass kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and deadly highway ambushes over the last decade. His recent gesture, observers say, could mark a turning point — but the coming weeks will determine whether it signals genuine reform or a temporary ceasefire.
