Has Notorious Kingpin, Bello Turji, Joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to Reduce Insecurity?
Seun Oseya
A claim has surfaced alleging that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader in Nigeria, has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a reduction in insecurity as his reason.
On March 15, 2025, an X user @adesina_adele posted this claim with a picture of the SDP logo and Turji and the caption: “BREAKING: Bello Turji joins SDP. Cites reduction in insecurity as the reason for this move. He states and I quote, “I have joined a party that aligns with my beliefs and for the furtherance of my agenda. Politics is about interest.” More details to follow.”
The post @adesina_adele has garnered attention with over 190,000 views. Similar assertions also appeared in Hausa-language posts on X, here.
VERIFICATION
Bello Turji, a wanted bandit, kidnap kingpin and terrorist in Nigeria’s northwest region, has been a target of military operations since November 2022, when a bounty was placed on him and other terrorists.
A search for corroborating evidence using web searches, X posts, and official SDP channels revealed no credible confirmation of Turji’s alleged party membership. The SDP, a registered political party in Nigeria, has no record of announcing Turji’s membership on its official website or through statements from leaders like Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam as of March 17, 2025.
The quote attributed to Turji saying, “I have joined a party that aligns with my beliefs and for the furtherance of my agenda. Politics is about interest,” lacks a verifiable source. Turji’s prior public statements, such as in a 2022 Daily Trust interview, focus on revenge against alleged injustices, not political affiliation. No video, audio, or documented evidence supports this quote attributed to him in the circulating claim.
Is There a Recent Reduction in Insecurity Linked to Turji?
Insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, where Turji operates, remains severe as of March 2025. Reports from outlets like Premium Times indicate ongoing military campaigns against bandits, with no notable decline in violence. Claims of Turji influencing a reduction in insecurity lack backing from security agencies or independent observers. The Nigerian military is still on the lookout to capture Turji and other bandit and terrorist leaders in the northern region.
CONCLUSION
The claim that Bello Turji has joined the SDP, citing a reduction in insecurity and stating that he has joined a party that aligns with his beliefs and for the furtherance of his agenda is FALSE. Findings show that there is no supporting evidence from reputable news platforms or the SDP party to corroborate Turji’s purported new alliance to party politics.
