Fresh Security Fears in Sokoto as Residents Allege Bello Turji Conducting Weapons Training

SOKOTO, Nigeria — Fresh security concerns have emerged in parts of eastern Sokoto State following allegations that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his loyalists are conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in communities within Isa Local Government Area.

The claims, which have not been independently verified, have heightened anxiety among residents of border communities that have endured years of attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling along the Sokoto-Zamfara corridor.

Security sources and local activists alleged that the reported training activities are taking place in communities including Bingabale, Bafarawa, Bargaja and Gebe, areas long considered among Turji’s operational strongholds.

Turji remains one of the most wanted bandit leaders in northwestern Nigeria and has been linked to numerous attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara and parts of Niger State. Despite repeated military operations and government pledges to neutralise him, he has continued to evade capture.

Activist Raises Alarm Over Alleged Military-Style Drills

The Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, alleged in a social media post that Turji’s fighters were undergoing weapons handling and tactical training using newly acquired arms.

According to Basharu, some of those participating in the exercises include individuals identified as Illa Manawa and Bomi, whom he described as Turji’s younger brother.

“Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces,” he said.

He further claimed that newly arrived fighters believed to have links to Boko Haram had entered the area to strengthen Turji’s network and provide advanced combat training.

According to the activist, intelligence gathered from local sources also indicated that a night-vision device allegedly purchased by Turji was among recently delivered equipment.

Basharu called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and verify the intelligence reports to prevent potential attacks on communities across eastern Sokoto.

Video Emerges Following Deadly Attack

Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared a video on social media that he claimed showed some of the weapons recently acquired by Turji’s group.

He further alleged that the footage, reportedly released by Turji on June 20, featured weapons used during recent confrontations with security forces and celebrated attacks against military personnel operating along the Isa-Bargaja corridor.

The authenticity of the video and the claims surrounding it could not be independently verified.

The development comes days after an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly killed three soldiers and injured several others in Bargaja community, Isa Local Government Area.

The troops were said to be responding to a distress call following a bandit attack on the community when their vehicle struck the explosive device.

Residents alleged that the attackers had planted the IED along the Isa-Bargaja road before the arrival of security personnel.

Authorities Yet to Comment

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian military nor the Sokoto State Police Command had issued an official statement regarding the allegations or the reported training activities.

Efforts to obtain comments from the police were unsuccessful, while sources familiar with military operations said security agencies were aware of the intelligence reports and were assessing the situation.

The sources said appropriate security measures were being implemented to address emerging threats in the area.

Lawmaker Criticises Federal Government

The member representing Sabon Birni Local Government Area in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, criticised the Federal Government over what he described as insufficient action against Turji despite years of reported criminal activities.

“I have spoken about this repeatedly, but nothing has changed. In Gangara village, Turji’s boys are still there,” Boza said.

The lawmaker questioned why security agencies had been unable to arrest the bandit leader despite the deployment of advanced military equipment and repeated operations in affected communities.

“We have fighter jets and sophisticated weapons, yet Bello Turji has continued to operate freely for years. He appears in videos surrounded by hundreds of armed followers, but he has still not been arrested,” he added.

Police Repel Attack in Tureta

Meanwhile, security operatives reportedly repelled an attack on Tureta town in Tureta Local Government Area on Sunday.

Sources said armed bandits stormed the community during afternoon prayers but were confronted by personnel from the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The attackers were forced to retreat, but two police officers were reportedly killed after security personnel pursuing the fleeing bandits were ambushed.

A senior police officer familiar with the operation confirmed the incident, saying security forces inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers despite suffering losses.

“The bandits attempted to attack Tureta town, but our men successfully repelled them,” the officer said.

He added that the attackers were estimated to number about 300 and were heavily armed.

The exact number of casualties among the bandits could not be independently confirmed.

Long History of Violence

Turji has been linked to several major attacks across northwestern Nigeria in recent years, including mass abductions, village raids, cattle rustling operations and assaults on security formations.

Communities across Sokoto and Zamfara states have repeatedly accused his fighters of killings, extortion and forced displacement, while thousands of residents have fled their homes due to persistent insecurity.

Despite intensified military operations and repeated assurances from authorities, many residents say they continue to live under the threat of attacks by armed groups operating across the region.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.