Report Alleges Turji’s Loyalists Conducting Arms Training in Sokoto Border Areas

Concerns over security have intensified in parts of eastern Sokoto State following claims that associates of the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, are allegedly undergoing weapons training and tactical drills. These activities are reportedly taking place in communities situated along the corridor bordering Sokoto and Zamfara states.

An intelligence brief indicates that the gathering of fighters linked to Turji is occurring in areas spanning from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja. Here, they are said to be engaged in military-style exercises utilizing recently acquired armaments.

Basharu Altine, the Sokoto State Coordinator for the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, released the report, identifying some of Turji’s key lieutenants, including Illa Manawa and Dodo (believed to be the bandit kingpin’s younger brother), as participants in these drills. Altine stated that intelligence reaching his organization suggests the fighters are receiving instruction on the deployment of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the region.

“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,” Altine affirmed.

Furthermore, Altine alleged that preliminary intelligence points to the arrival of a fresh consignment of arms and the presence of newly recruited fighters, who are suspected to have affiliations with insurgent groups. “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 added.

The security advocate also claimed that intelligence from Binchi indicates that night-vision devices, reportedly acquired by Turji recently, are part of the equipment delivered to the group’s camps. Ongoing investigations have reportedly linked two suspected bandit commanders, Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the alleged procurement and movement of these weapons.

“Sources suggest that Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo played significant roles in facilitating the delivery of these arms alongside Bello Turji. Investigations are also revealing details of a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji,” Altine explained.

Altine cautioned that this alleged collaboration could lead to wider security implications for communities in eastern Sokoto, stating that intelligence reports suggest plans to expand the group’s influence in the region. “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 warned.

He urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and implement proactive measures to verify this intelligence and avert any potential threats to lives and property. As of the time of this report, security authorities had not released any official statement concerning these allegations, and the claims within the intelligence report remain unverified independently.