Armed bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Bello Turji have abducted 16 residents and killed one person in a fresh attack on Garki village, Sokoto State.
The incident was disclosed by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.
According to Makama, the attackers, led by a senior Turji lieutenant identified as Kallamu, invaded the community on Tuesday evening, firing shots indiscriminately to spread fear.
“They came in large numbers, took away 16 people, killed one man, and rustled several livestock. They also shot three people who are now receiving treatment at a hospital in Sokoto,” a resident said.
The attack occurred despite ongoing claims of peace talks between Turji’s group and certain government mediators.
According to Makama, security sources believe the latest assault underscores the unreliability of the gang’s leadership.
“Bello Turji has repeatedly used so-called peace talks as a cover to regroup, resupply, and expand his influence. He cannot be trusted because, even during dialogue, his men continue to attack, abduct, and kill,” the sources said.
They added that intelligence reports indicate Turji’s network remains active across the Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo areas, with many of his fighters involved in cross-border trafficking between Nigeria and Niger Republic.