Fear Grips Eastern Sokoto as Bello Turji’s Loyalists Allegedly Launch Weapons Training, Plot Expansion.

Fresh fears have engulfed communities across eastern Sokoto State following alarming intelligence reports alleging that fighters loyal to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji are conducting large-scale weapons training and tactical exercises along the volatile Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor.

The development has heightened concerns among residents and security stakeholders, with reports suggesting that the criminal network is strengthening its operational capacity through the acquisition of sophisticated weapons, the recruitment of new fighters, and the training of personnel with advanced combat skills.

According to an intelligence report released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, the suspected training camps are located in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja—areas that have long been vulnerable to bandit activities.

Altine disclosed that intelligence gathered by his organisation indicates that dozens of fighters linked to Bello Turji are currently undergoing intensive military-style drills under the supervision of some of the bandit leader’s most trusted associates. Among those allegedly coordinating the exercise are Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be Turji’s younger brother.

The report claims that the fighters are receiving specialised training in the handling and deployment of newly acquired weapons, some of which are believed to be similar to those reportedly used during recent clashes with Nigerian security forces.

“Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces,” Altine stated.

Even more troubling, according to the report, is intelligence pointing to the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons and ammunition, alongside newly recruited fighters suspected to have connections with insurgent groups operating in other parts of the country.

Altine alleged that some of the new recruits possess extensive experience in combat operations and advanced weapons handling, making them valuable assets in efforts to strengthen Turji’s armed network.

“There are indications that some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states,” he said.

The report further claimed that intelligence obtained from Binchi suggests that night-vision devices recently linked to Bello Turji were among the equipment delivered to the camps. Such technology, security observers warn, could significantly enhance the group’s ability to carry out attacks under the cover of darkness and evade security operations.

Investigations by the organisation also reportedly identified two suspected bandit commanders—Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo—as key figures in the alleged procurement and transportation of the weapons.

According to Altine, intelligence sources believe both men played crucial roles in facilitating the movement of the arms into the area and are actively working with Turji to expand the group’s influence.

“Sources suggest that Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo played significant roles in facilitating the delivery of these arms alongside Bello Turji. Investigations are also revealing details of a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji,” he said.

The alleged alliance has raised fresh concerns among residents and local leaders, who fear that eastern Sokoto could witness a resurgence of coordinated bandit attacks if urgent preventive measures are not taken.

Altine warned that intelligence reports suggest the group may be planning to deepen its foothold in the region and potentially launch attacks on strategic targets, including local government headquarters, before the peak of the rainy season.

“There are growing concerns that the alliance forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen their operational presence across eastern Sokoto. Intelligence sources have expressed fears that coordinated attacks may be planned against some local government headquarters before the peak of the rainy season,” he added.

He urged security agencies to immediately intensify aerial and ground surveillance across the affected communities, verify the intelligence reports, and take proactive action to prevent any potential threat to lives and property.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations. The claims contained in the intelligence report also remain independently unverified.

Nevertheless, the revelations have sparked anxiety among residents of eastern Sokoto and neighboring communities in Zamfara State, where years of bandit violence have left thousands displaced and several communities devastated. Residents are now calling for swift intervention by security agencies to prevent any escalation of insecurity in the region.