Fresh security concerns have emerged in eastern Sokoto State following intelligence reports alleging that fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical drills in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor.
According to the report, the activities are taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where armed men linked to Turji are said to be participating in military-style exercises using newly acquired weapons.
The allegations were contained in an intelligence report released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine. He claimed that some of Turji’s key associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit leader’s younger brother, are overseeing the training programme.
Altine said intelligence available to his organisation suggests that the fighters are receiving instruction on the handling and deployment of sophisticated weapons, some of which were reportedly used during recent clashes with security forces.
“Our findings indicate that these fighters are engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during confrontations with security personnel,” he stated.
The report further alleged that a fresh consignment of weapons had recently been delivered to the area and that newly recruited fighters, some believed to have links with insurgent groups, had joined Turji’s network.
According to Altine, intelligence sources claim that several of the new recruits possess advanced combat and weapons-handling skills and have been brought in to strengthen and train fighters operating in border communities across Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He also alleged that night-vision equipment recently linked to Turji formed part of the latest delivery to the group’s camps, raising concerns about the bandits’ growing operational capabilities.
The report named two suspected bandit commanders, Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, as individuals allegedly involved in the procurement and transportation of the weapons. Investigators are also reportedly examining what has been described as a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji.
Altine warned that the alleged collaboration could pose a significant threat to security in eastern Sokoto, claiming intelligence reports suggest plans to expand the group’s influence and operational reach across the region.
He further stated that security sources fear coordinated attacks may be planned against some local government headquarters before the height of the rainy season, a development he said requires urgent attention from security agencies.
The civil society advocate called on military and security authorities to intensify surveillance, verify the intelligence, and take proactive measures to prevent any threat to lives and property.
As of the time of filing the report, security agencies had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations, while the claims contained in the intelligence report had not been independently verified.