Notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji has stated that his group is open to negotiations with the government but remains prepared for armed confrontation.

It was reports that Turji stated this in a video recorded in Hausa and dated June 20, 2026.

He claimed responsibility for recent attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The bandit leader also used the video to address the issue of possible peace talks with authorities, indicating a willingness to negotiate if the government chooses dialogue over military action.

According to him, “If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready for negotiation. But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes.”

He further suggested that his group would not back down from armed resistance, saying, “We are ready for peace, but if they choose war, we are also ready. We will defend ourselves.”

The video surfaced days after a deadly attack along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where suspected terrorists loyal to Turji reportedly laid an ambush on security personnel responding to a distress call.

Local and security sources alleged that an Improvised Explosive Device detonated during the operation, killing at least four soldiers, although military authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figure.

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The Oorelope Local Government has dismissed claims that a woman, Kuburat Omowumi and her son, who were kidnapped on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, were released after the intervention of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho.

It was reports the claims followed a video circulating on social media on Saturday showing large crowds of residents singing and dancing Igboho.

The jubilation was described as a celebration of the release of the victims: a woman, her children, and a sibling.

They were said to be released following Igboho’s issuance of a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders, demanding their release.

However, in a statement on Sunday, the Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Jacob Ogundiran, described the claims as false and misleading.

He said, “The attention of the Oorelope Local Government Area leadership has been drawn to circulating rumours and unverified reports claiming the release of the kidnapping victims.

“We state authoritatively that these reports are false and misleading. The victims are still in captivity, and we urge the public to discountenance any information to the contrary unless it comes from credible sources.”

Ogundiran assured that security agencies at the state and local levels were intensifying efforts to secure the victims’ safe rescue, while commending community leaders, residents, and stakeholders for providing intelligence and support.

He emphasised that the protection of lives and property remained a top priority.

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A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has alleged that Christians in Nigeria are facing widespread persecution, recounting what he described as first-hand accounts of killings, church burnings and forced displacement during a congressional visit to the country.

Moore made the remarks during an interview with American Catholic theologian, Bishop Robert Barron, in which he criticised the administration of former US President Joe Biden for what he described as its failure to adequately respond to religious violence in Nigeria.

The lawmaker also accused the Biden administration of removing Nigeria from the United States Department of State’s list of Countries of Particular Concern over religious freedom violations.

Moore faulted explanations that linked violence in parts of Nigeria primarily to climate change and farmer-herder conflicts.

According to him, such explanations failed to account for the scale of destruction allegedly targeted at Christian communities.

“That does not explain burning down over 20,000 churches. That doesn’t explain killing men, women and children,” Moore said.

The congressman claimed the previous US administration had “absurdly” downplayed what he described as the systematic targeting of Christians.

Moore said he visited internally displaced persons camps in Benue State where he met survivors who recounted traumatic experiences.

According to him, one woman told the delegation she witnessed the killing of her husband and two children before her unborn child was also lost.

He added that another victim reportedly lost all five of her children during attacks.

The lawmaker alleged that some camps housing displaced persons had also come under repeated attacks from armed groups, including factions linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

Moore described Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt as facing serious threats from extremist groups.

“It’s not even close, Christianity is the most persecuted faith on the planet right now,” he said.

He argued that the religious dimension of the violence should not be ignored, pointing to extremist ideologies that target Christian communities.

At the same time, Moore acknowledged that Muslims who oppose Boko Haram and other extremist groups have also been victims of violence.

“All lives are sacred,” he said, while maintaining that Christian communities remained disproportionately affected.

The West Virginia lawmaker disclosed that he was part of a congressional delegation that visited Nigeria and met government officials in Abuja.

According to him, the delegation included senior US lawmakers and was dispatched following concerns about religious freedom and insecurity.

Moore said President Donald Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and publicly announced plans for him to investigate the situation and submit recommendations.

He added that the delegation travelled under heavy security, including the use of armoured convoys.

The congressman said recommendations submitted after the visit included strengthening local security structures, imposing targeted sanctions on individuals linked to violence and expanding economic cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

He also raised concerns about China’s activities in Nigeria, alleging that Chinese interests were exploiting weak governance structures to gain access to valuable mineral resources.

Moore accused Beijing of engaging in illegal mining activities and supporting conditions that undermine security and stability, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.

During the discussion, Bishop Barron lamented what he described as the limited international attention given to the security crisis in Nigeria despite its severity.

He compared the situation to past humanitarian tragedies that failed to attract timely global intervention.

Moore said the issue of Christian persecution remains a matter of deep personal concern and called for greater international engagement to address insecurity and protect vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

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