A civil society group has raised alarm over alleged weapons training by bandits loyal to notorious leader Bello Turji near the Sokoto-Zamfara border, sparking fears of renewed violence in the region. The Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, through its Sokoto State coordinator Basharu Altine, released an intelligence report detailing the activities.
Training camps identified in border communities
According to the report, the alleged training is taking place in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja. These areas have witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups and sustained security operations in recent years. Mr Altine claimed that key associates of Turji, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit leader's younger brother, are coordinating the exercise.
“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,” Mr Altine said.
Fresh weapons and fighters linked to insurgent groups
The report further alleged that a fresh consignment of weapons has arrived in the area alongside newly recruited fighters with advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Mr Altine indicated that some of the new arrivals may have links to insurgent groups and were brought in to strengthen Turji's operations across border communities in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
“There are indications that some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states,” he said.
Night-vision devices and commanders' roles
The activist also claimed that night-vision devices allegedly acquired by Turji recently formed part of the equipment delivered to camps used by the group. He further alleged that two suspected bandit commanders, Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, played significant roles in facilitating the movement of the weapons. Investigations are also uncovering details of a growing alliance between Mr Chimo and Turji.
Fears of expanding operations
The report warned that the alleged collaboration could have wider security implications for communities across eastern Sokoto, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling have persisted despite military operations. Mr Altine claimed intelligence reports indicated efforts to expand the group’s operational influence and potentially target some local government headquarters before the peak of the rainy season.
“There are growing concerns that the alliance forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen their operational presence across eastern Sokoto. Intelligence sources have expressed fears that coordinated attacks may be planned against some local government headquarters before the peak of the rainy season,” he said.
Troubled region and ongoing security operations
The allegations come at a time when several communities in eastern Sokoto continue to grapple with insecurity linked to banditry and cross-border criminal activities. In recent months, residents of local government areas including Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah and neighbouring communities have reported recurring attacks, kidnappings and displacement caused by armed groups operating across the Sokoto-Zamfara axis. Security agencies have sustained operations targeting camps linked to Mr Turji and other bandit leaders in the North-west. Mr Turji remains one of the region’s most notorious bandit leaders, linked by security agencies to numerous attacks in Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states.
No official response
As of the time of filing this report, the military and police had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the claims contained in the report. The newspaper also could not immediately reach security authorities for comments on the allegations.
