The Nigerian Army has confirmed receiving intelligence reports indicating that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and members of his network are allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical drills in parts of Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, heightening security concerns across communities in the state’s eastern axis.
The confirmation comes amid renewed fears among residents of border communities that have endured repeated attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling along the Sokoto-Zamfara corridor.
According to intelligence sources, the suspected training activities are taking place in communities including Bingabale, Bafarawa, Bargaja and Gebe, all located within Sokoto East Senatorial District, an area long regarded as a stronghold of Turji’s criminal network.
The reports allege that the exercises involve armed loyalists of the bandit kingpin, including close associates identified as Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be Turji’s younger brother. The fighters are reportedly undergoing military-style drills and weapons handling using newly acquired firearms.
Preliminary intelligence assessments suggest the weapons may have been supplied recently, raising concerns among security agencies over the increasing firepower available to armed groups operating in the region. The reports also indicate that newly recruited fighters with advanced combat experience have joined the group, a development security analysts warn could significantly enhance its operational capabilities if left unchecked.
The alleged training camps are said to be located in remote border communities linking Sokoto and Zamfara states, terrain that has remained difficult to secure despite ongoing military operations under Operation Fansan Yamma.
Additional intelligence further points to the possible acquisition of night-vision devices and other tactical equipment by the group. Investigators have also linked suspected commanders, including Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo, to the movement of arms and coordination of criminal activities across the region.
A community security stakeholder, Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, called for urgent intervention by security agencies, warning that the intelligence points to preparations for possible future attacks.
“Findings indicate that fighters linked to Bello Turji are engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms,” he said. “There are also indications of fresh arrivals with advanced combat experience.”
Confirming the development, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Osoba Olaniyi, said the military was aware of the intelligence reports and was actively assessing the situation.
He assured residents that the Army had begun implementing appropriate security measures to address any emerging threats.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The latest intelligence comes as security agencies continue operations aimed at dismantling armed bandit networks operating across Nigeria’s North-West, particularly in the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina axis, where criminal gangs have continued to pose significant threats to rural communities.
