Terror returns: Fear grips Sokoto as Bello Turji resurfaces, military silent

DDM News

Residents of Sokoto State are living in fear following the resurgence of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

Bello Turji Kachalla, commonly known as Bello Turji, is a feared bandit leader in northwestern Nigeria.

His criminal activities have terrorized Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and other neighboring states.

Turji is widely associated with kidnappings, massacres, and large-scale attacks on communities.

He leads a deadly group responsible for widespread violence in the region.

Early Life and Path to Banditry

Bello Turji was born in 1994 in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

He belongs to the Fulani ethnic group and was raised as a cattle herder.

Turji reportedly had no formal education and spent his early years herding livestock.

His involvement in banditry, according to him, was driven by personal tragedies.

He claims that vigilantes known as Ƴan Sakai attacked his family and killed six of his siblings.

His father allegedly sought justice but received no help from authorities.

Feeling abandoned, Turji took up arms, marking the beginning of his criminal journey.

Criminal Activities and Atrocities

Turji has been linked to some of the most gruesome attacks in northwestern Nigeria.

In September 2021, his gang attacked a market in Goronyo, Sokoto State.

More than 50 civilians were reportedly killed in the violent assault.

In December 2021, Turji’s men ambushed a bus in Sabon Birni.

Passengers were locked inside and burned alive, resulting in about 30 deaths.

One of his deadliest attacks occurred in January 2022 in Zamfara State.

His fighters killed nearly 200 people, including women and children.

These incidents cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous bandits.

Turji’s Justification for Banditry

Turji has repeatedly defended his actions, claiming he is fighting against injustice.

He alleges that Fulani people face discrimination and violence from vigilantes and security forces.

He demands the disbandment of groups like the Ƴan Sakai, whom he blames for targeting Fulani communities.

Turji insists he wants peace but only if authorities address his grievances.

He accuses the media and government of painting Fulani people as criminals while ignoring their suffering.

Despite his claims, his gang continues to carry out violent attacks and kidnappings.

Impact on Affected Regions

Communities under Turji’s control face extreme hardship and fear.

He imposes heavy levies on villages, sometimes demanding millions in ransom.

Economic activities have collapsed in many affected areas due to insecurity.

Farmers, traders, and transporters are frequent targets of his gang.

Many residents have fled their homes, seeking safety in displacement camps.

The fear of another attack has paralyzed social and economic life.

Recent Developments and Resurgence

Despite military operations, Turji remains active and dangerous.

Reports in early 2025 indicate he has returned to Sokoto State.

He has established new bases in Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas.

Residents report he is collecting levies from villages under his control.

Attempts to get a response from the military have been unsuccessful.

Many fear his resurgence will lead to renewed violence in the region.

Authorities must act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.

Reports gathered by Diaspora digital media (DDM) indicate that he has reestablished his stronghold in the region, forcing locals into panic and uncertainty.

Despite growing concerns, the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has remained silent, offering no official response to his return.

The military previously launched a major counterterrorism operation against Turji and his fighters in January 2025.

During the assault, security forces eliminated Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, along with his son and thirty-one fighters.

Additionally, Turji’s younger brother and several close associates sustained severe injuries in the military offensive.

However, the notorious bandit leader managed to escape, avoiding capture or death during the operation.

The military described Turji as a coward for abandoning his men, including his son, during the attack.

Now, reports suggest that Turji has returned to Sokoto, bringing terror back to local communities.

The return of Turji and growing fear among locals

Aminu Boza, a Sokoto State House of Assembly member, confirmed the reappearance of Bello Turji in the region.

Boza represents Sabon Birni Local Government Area, one of the locations where Turji has reportedly set up his base.

According to Boza, Turji has reestablished a camp in the forests of Isa and Sabon Birni.

Residents claim that he has begun demanding large sums of money from villages under his control.

“In some locations, he has imposed a levy of ₦25 million per village,” Boza told reporters.

The affected communities, already struggling with insecurity, now face additional economic hardship due to these illegal levies.

Locals are deeply concerned, fearing that Turji’s return signals a resurgence of violence and criminal activities.

For years, his group has been responsible for kidnappings, killings, and attacks across Sokoto and neighboring states.

His return has left villagers terrified, unsure of what will happen next.

Many residents believe that Turji is using extortion to finance his criminal operations and strengthen his forces.

His new base in Isa Local Government Area is reportedly fortified and difficult to access.

The dense forests provide a natural shield against security forces, allowing Turji to operate freely.

Military’s silence sparks concerns

Despite the widespread fear, the Defense Headquarters has not issued any statement on Turji’s resurgence.

Residents expected swift military intervention to prevent him from regaining control of the region.

However, security agencies have remained unresponsive, failing to reassure the people of Sokoto.

Attempts to contact Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Media Operations, have been unsuccessful.

Calls and emails sent from Thursday through Sunday went unanswered, raising concerns among local communities.

People fear that without immediate action, Turji will continue expanding his operations without resistance.

The silence from security forces has left residents feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

With no official response, villages under Turji’s control have little hope for immediate relief.

Some community leaders worry that his resurgence could escalate insecurity beyond Sokoto.

If left unchecked, his influence may spread to neighboring states, worsening Nigeria’s security crisis.

A troubled region faces renewed unrest

Sokoto State has been a hotspot for banditry and violent attacks for several years.

Among the many criminal figures, Bello Turji remains one of the most feared.

His group has been linked to countless kidnappings, killings, and village raids.

The military operation in January raised hopes that his reign of terror had ended.

However, his return has shattered that optimism, leaving communities in renewed distress.

Local leaders are urging security agencies to act before Turji regains full control of the region.

Many believe that failing to act now will allow him to grow even stronger.

Residents are calling for urgent military intervention to dismantle his newly established base.

Without swift action, Sokoto’s security situation could deteriorate further.

The fear of another wave of attacks has left villagers in constant anxiety.

Many are afraid to leave their homes, fearing possible kidnappings or killings.

Economic activities in affected areas have slowed down as residents prioritize safety over work.

Farmers and traders are particularly vulnerable, as bandits often target them for ransom.

Some villagers have started fleeing to safer areas, abandoning their homes and properties.

Displaced persons now face harsh conditions, struggling to find shelter and food.

Their only hope lies in government intervention to restore peace and security.

What comes next?

The pressing question remains: What will the military do about Bello Turji’s resurgence?

With no official statement, the public remains uncertain about the government’s next move.

Will security forces launch another operation to eliminate Turji and his gang?

Or will they allow him to operate freely, worsening insecurity in Sokoto and beyond?

For now, the people of Sokoto are left in fear, hoping for decisive action.

Until then, Bello Turji continues to expand his grip on terror-stricken communities.

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