Fresh concerns have emerged in parts of eastern Sokoto State following reports that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is training fighters and expanding his operations in communities within Isa Local Government Area.
Residents and local sources claim Turji’s loyalists have been conducting weapons drills and tactical exercises in communities such as Bingabale, Bafarawa, Bargaja and Gebe, areas long regarded as strongholds of the bandit kingpin.
The reports have heightened fears among residents who have endured years of attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling and violent raids along the Sokoto-Zamfara corridor.
Turji remains one of the most feared bandit leaders in Nigeria’s North-West and has been linked to numerous deadly attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara and parts of Niger State. Despite repeated military operations and government promises to capture him, he continues to operate in the region.
Claims of fresh weapons and new recruits
The Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, alleged that Turji’s fighters are undergoing military-style training with newly acquired weapons.
In a Facebook post, Basharu claimed some of those taking part in the drills include Turji’s younger brother, Bomi, and another associate known as Illa Manawa.
According to him, intelligence gathered from local sources suggests the group recently obtained sophisticated weapons, including a night-vision device allegedly purchased by Turji.
He further alleged that fighters believed to have links with Boko Haram had recently arrived in the area to train Turji’s men and strengthen their combat capabilities.
Basharu also claimed investigations pointed to growing collaboration between Turji and other bandit commanders, including Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo, raising fears of coordinated attacks across parts of eastern Sokoto.
Video surfaces after soldiers killed
Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared a video on social media which he claimed was released by Turji on June 20.
In the footage, Turji allegedly displayed some of the newly acquired weapons and celebrated what he described as successful attacks on security forces operating around the Isa-Bargaja axis.
The video surfaced shortly after three soldiers were reportedly killed when an improvised explosive device exploded on a military vehicle responding to a distress call in Bargaja community.
Residents said bandits had attacked the village in the early hours of Saturday, forcing them to seek military intervention. Sources alleged the attackers planted the explosive along the road before the troops arrived.
In the video, Turji reportedly boasted about the deaths of security personnel and praised his fighters.
DDM could not independently verify the claims contained in the video.
Lawmaker criticises government response
The member representing Sabon Birni Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, faulted the Federal Government over its inability to capture Turji despite years of military operations.
Boza said communities in the area continue to live under the threat of attacks and questioned why the bandit leader remains at large despite the deployment of advanced military equipment.
“We have fighter jets and sophisticated weapons, yet Bello Turji continues to operate openly. He appears in videos surrounded by armed men, but he has still not been arrested,” the lawmaker said.
Bandits, two policemen killed in Tureta attack
Meanwhile, several bandits and two police officers were reportedly killed on Sunday after armed men attempted to attack Tureta town in Tureta Local Government Area.
Sources said the attackers stormed the town around 2 p.m., but were repelled by officers from the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Security operatives reportedly pursued the fleeing bandits, only to encounter an ambush that led to a fierce gun battle.
A senior police officer confirmed that two officers lost their lives during the operation, while several bandits were also killed.
“The attackers were heavily armed and estimated to be about 300 in number. Our men repelled the attack, but unfortunately two officers were killed during the pursuit,” the officer said.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incidents.
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