Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reacted to a recent attack in Sokoto State that left at least two soldiers dead and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on a military vehicle heading to Bargaja in Isa Local Government Area. The troops were responding to a distress call following a bandit attack on the community.
In a video released after the incident, Turji expressed satisfaction over the deaths of security personnel, claiming that his group had achieved victory against forces he accused of seizing their livestock and killing their members in areas including Isa, Sabon Birni, Zamfara, and Sokoto. He alleged that his fighters had recovered livestock and killed some of their opponents. However, these claims could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, fresh security concerns have emerged following allegations by Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance. In a Facebook post, he claimed that Turji is strengthening his forces and acquiring new weapons in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border.
According to Basharu, Turji’s fighters, including associates identified as Illa Manawa and Turji’s younger brother, Bomi, were conducting weapons training and tactical exercises with newly acquired arms. He further alleged that some of the new recruits have links to Boko Haram and possess advanced combat skills.
Basharu also claimed that intelligence reports indicate Turji recently acquired a night-vision device and received a fresh consignment of weapons. He linked the arms deliveries to bandit commanders Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo, alleging they are working closely with Turji.
The activist warned of a growing alliance among bandit leaders that could lead to coordinated attacks on local government headquarters in eastern Sokoto before the rainy season peaks. He later shared a video he claimed showed some of Turji’s newly acquired weapons. Authorities had not responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.
