Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji...Photo Credit: ICIR
Fresh security concerns have emerged in some parts of eastern Sokoto State following reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, were allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor.
According to an intelligence report, the gathering is reportedly taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji were said to be undergoing military-style drills using newly acquired weapons.
The report, released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, alleged that some of Turji’s key associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit kingpin’s younger brother, are involved in the exercise.
Altine said intelligence reaching his organisation indicated that the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area.
