Bandit leader Bello Turji demands N50m from Zamfara, Niger farmers to allow farming

Farming communities in Zamfara and Niger States are once again under siege as notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly demanded ₦50 million from residents before allowing them to commence this year’s farming season.

This shocking revelation was made by security analyst Bakatsine, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to raise the alarm. According to his report, Turji issued the ultimatum as a precondition for maintaining peace in the affected areas—leaving already-vulnerable communities trapped between fear and survival.

“Bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly demanding 50 million from residents of Tsalaken Gulbi from Fakai village, Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara State, up to Qaya near the Niger border, just to let them farm this season.” Bakatsine wrote.

Turji, has long been associated with violent attacks, kidnappings, and illegal taxation of rural communities.

His control reportedly spreads to parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States.