Fresh intelligence reports have raised concerns over alleged weapons training and tactical drills being conducted by fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, in parts of eastern Sokoto State.
The report, released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, claimed that the activities are taking place in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor, stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja.
According to Altine, intelligence available to his organisation indicates that the fighters are receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently brought into the area.
He alleged that some of Turji’s close associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit leader’s younger brother, are coordinating the exercise.
The report further claimed that a fresh cache of weapons had been delivered to the camps alongside newly recruited fighters suspected to have links with insurgent groups.
Altine said some of the new arrivals reportedly possess advanced combat and weapons-handling skills and were deployed to strengthen and train Turji’s fighters operating across border communities in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
He also alleged that night-vision devices recently acquired by Turji were among the equipment supplied to the camps.
The intelligence report further linked two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the alleged movement and procurement of the weapons.
Altine warned that the reported alliance and influx of fighters could pose a serious threat to communities in eastern Sokoto, citing intelligence that suggested possible plans to expand the group’s operational footprint in the region.
He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance, verify the intelligence and take proactive measures to prevent any potential attacks on communities.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued any official statement on the allegations, while the claims contained in the intelligence report remain independently unverified.
