Fresh security concerns have emerged in eastern Sokoto State following reports that fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, are allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border.
According to an intelligence report released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, the activities are reportedly taking place in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja.
Altine alleged that the fighters were undergoing military-style drills using newly acquired weapons and that some of Turji’s key associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit leader’s younger brother, were involved in 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,” he said.
He further claimed that preliminary intelligence indicated the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons and newly recruited fighters believed to have links with insurgent groups.
According to Altine, some of the new arrivals reportedly possess advanced combat and weapons-handling skills and were brought in to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating in border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He also alleged that intelligence gathered from Binchi suggested that night-vision devices recently acquired by Turji formed part of the equipment delivered to the group’s camps.
The report further linked two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the alleged procurement and movement of the weapons.
Altine warned that the alleged collaboration could pose a significant threat to communities in eastern Sokoto, claiming that intelligence reports pointed to plans aimed at expanding the group’s influence in the region.
He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take proactive steps to verify the intelligence and prevent any potential threat to lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement on the allegations, and the claims contained in the intelligence report could not be independently verified.
