Fresh security concerns have surfaced in eastern Sokoto State following allegations that fighters loyal to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, are undergoing intensive weapons training in communities located along the Sokoto-Zamfara border.
The claims were contained in an intelligence report referenced by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, who alleged that armed groups linked to Turji had recently gathered in several settlements for combat-related exercises.
According to the report, the activities are said to be taking place in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu to Bafarawa East and Bargaja, where suspected bandits are reportedly being trained in the use of newly acquired firearms and other military-style tactics.
Altine alleged that some trusted associates of the notorious bandit leader, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be Turji’s younger brother, were coordinating aspects of the training programme.
He further claimed that intelligence sources indicated the arrival of additional weapons and fresh recruits believed to possess considerable combat experience and expertise in handling sophisticated arms.
The report also alleged that some of the new recruits may have connections with insurgent networks and were brought into the area to strengthen the operational capacity of armed groups active within Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara State.
Altine said information available to his organisation suggested that advanced equipment, including night-vision devices reportedly linked to Turji’s network, had been moved into camps used by the fighters.
The security advocate also identified two suspected bandit commanders, Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, as individuals allegedly connected to the procurement and transportation of the weapons, claiming that investigations pointed to a growing alliance among key figures within the criminal network.
He warned that the alleged build-up could pose a serious threat to communities in the region, noting that intelligence reports had raised fears of possible attacks on strategic locations before the height of the rainy season.
Altine therefore called on security agencies to intensify surveillance across vulnerable communities and swiftly investigate the allegations to prevent any potential breakdown of security.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not publicly commented on the claims, while the allegations contained in the intelligence report remained independently unverified.
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