In a damning revelation, a prominent Nigerian cleric has alleged that political interference is preventing security forces from capturing one of the country's most wanted bandit leaders.
Political Protection Alleged for Notorious Bandit
Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has publicly accused certain Nigerian politicians of actively shielding the notorious terror kingpin, Bello Turji. According to Ayodele, this protection is the primary reason the Nigerian military has failed to apprehend the bandit leader who operates extensively in the northwest region.
The cleric made these claims in a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and shared with the press by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin. While acknowledging some security improvements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, Ayodele warned that bandits are planning to establish new terrorist networks, necessitating more decisive action.
Remnants of Terror and a Call to Arrest Governors
Primate Ayodele framed Nigeria's security challenges as partly spiritual, pointing out that states like Borno, Niger, Benue, and Lokoja still harbor remnants of terrorist activities. He insisted that figures like Bello Turji could be arrested if not for those covering for them.
In a bold move, the Lagos-based cleric called for the military to arrest any state governor who engages in negotiations with terrorists. "There is no need for any governor to negotiate with terrorists. Anyone who does it is a terrorist and must be arrested," Ayodele stated. He expressed confidence that terrorism could be ended soon if soldiers target the right locations.
Human Cost and Continued Violence
The allegations come amid ongoing violence attributed to Turji's faction. Last week, displaced residents from Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State lamented a surge in banditry, forcing family members to flee across the border into Niger Republic to escape renewed threats and attacks.
A viral social media video confirmed by local authorities showed residents fleeing their communities, highlighting the persistent human cost of the crisis. Northern Nigeria has witnessed a wave of mass abductions and violent crimes since late 2020, including high-profile school kidnappings in 2025 where hundreds of students were taken.
Despite these challenges, there have been military successes against Turji's network. Troops from the 8 Division previously neutralized his lieutenant, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birni, recovering weapons after a fierce gunfight.
