Sokoto: Fresh Report Emerges On Bandits Leader, Bello Turji

Speculations are that infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, has set up a new operational base in Sokoto State.

Naijaonpoint learnt that the new base is situated in the Indaduwa Forest, roughly three kilometres northwest of the village of Bula, close to the borders of Gundumi, Galadi, Maradun, and Raba in Sokoto State.

A renowned expert in counterterrorism and insurgency within the Lake Chad Basin, Zagazola Makama, shared this information in a post on his X account on Sunday.

He highlighted that the gang’s activities are spreading into regions adjacent to Galadi, Maradun, Gundumi, and Raba.

According to Makama, this new base, established approximately three weeks ago, has been associated with recent violent incidents in the area, including the blockade of the Isa-Marnona road.

He further noted that an ambush aimed at security forces on the Gundumi-Isa Road on December 21 was reportedly executed by members of Turji’s new base.

The security expert also indicated that over 40 individuals are currently believed to be held hostage by Turji’s group in the Indaduwa Forest.

Makama elaborated that ransom transactions are allegedly coordinated through informants located in Marnona and Gidan Rana near the Gundumi-Isa Road. Survivors who have recently been released from captivity have reportedly corroborated the gang’s activities in the vicinity.

“Sources suggest that the group operating from the Indaduwa Forest base has been responsible for ambushes, kidnappings, and other criminal activities targeting travellers and residents.

“Informants in Illela and Marnona have allegedly been aiding the gang by facilitating ransom payments and providing intelligence.

“Impeccable sources have identified two primary reasons for establishing this new camp: conflict with rival bandits and unresolved feuds.

“Turji has an ongoing rivalry with the Maniya group, stemming from a longstanding feud inherited from his father, Rugga Chida. This feud led to a violent clash years ago, resulting in the death of Kachalla Dullun, a prominent Maniya figure.

“Turji reportedly views the new base as a strategic position to undermine the Maniya group’s operations in the Dutsin Gwauro area, which serves as their headquarters,” Makama reported on Sunday.