Communities in eastern Sokoto State have expressed renewed fears after reports emerged that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his fighters are allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of Isa Local Government Area.
The development has increased anxiety among residents of border communities that have suffered years of attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling along the Sokoto-Zamfara axis.
Security sources said the alleged training is taking place in areas including Bingabale, Bafarawa, Bargaja and Gebe, communities located within Sokoto East Senatorial District, an area long regarded as a major base of Turji’s network.
Turji, considered one of the most wanted bandit leaders in northwestern Nigeria, has been accused of involvement in several deadly attacks, abductions, and clashes with security forces across Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states.
A local activist, Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, alleged that Turji’s fighters were receiving military-style training and learning how to operate newly acquired weapons. He claimed that some fighters linked to Boko Haram had also arrived in the area to provide additional combat training.
According to him, intelligence reports suggested that the group recently received advanced weapons and equipment, including night-vision devices.
The activist later shared a video which he claimed showed weapons in Turji’s possession and alleged that the bandit leader released the footage after an attack that killed security personnel.
The claims could not be independently verified, and security agencies had not released an official statement at the time of reporting.
The report comes after an incident in Isa Local Government Area where soldiers were killed and others injured after a military vehicle reportedly hit an improvised explosive device while responding to a distress call.
Residents said armed men had attacked Bargaja community earlier, forcing security forces to intervene.
Turji’s Previous Attacks
Turji has over the years been linked to numerous violent incidents, including attacks that resulted in deaths, mass displacement, and destruction of property.
In previous years, communities in Sokoto and Zamfara reported repeated assaults allegedly carried out by his fighters, leading many residents to abandon their homes.
A lawmaker representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, criticised the Federal Government, saying more decisive action was needed to stop Turji’s activities.
He questioned why the bandit leader had remained active despite military operations and security deployments.
Bandits Attack Sokoto Community
Meanwhile, several bandits and two police officers were reportedly killed after an attempted attack on Tureta town in Sokoto State.
Sources said the attackers stormed the town but were repelled by police and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During a pursuit operation, security officers reportedly walked into an ambush, leading to a gun battle.
A senior police officer confirmed the incident, saying the attackers were heavily armed and numbering about 300.
Authorities said investigations and security operations were ongoing.
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