Tension as bandit kingpin, Bello Turji allegedly acquires advanced weapons

Fresh concerns have emerged over the security situation in Nigeria’s North-West following allegations that notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons and is collaborating with Boko Haram fighters to train and equip new recruits.

The claims were made by the leader of Rundunar Adalchi in Sokoto State, Bashir Altine Guyawa Isa, during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Monday.

Isa alleged that intelligence available to local vigilante groups indicates that Turji and his associates have established a training camp near the Sokoto-Zamfara border, where recruits are being trained and armed for future operations.

According to him, the camp has been in existence for some time and serves as a base for the recruitment, indoctrination and training of fighters who are subsequently deployed for attacks across communities in the North-West.

He further claimed that members of Boko Haram are providing training and logistical support to the fighters, a development he said has increased the operational capabilities of criminal groups in the region.

Isa expressed concern that the continued existence of the alleged camp poses a serious threat to public safety and could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in affected communities.

He also alleged that authorities are aware of the facility and called for urgent action to dismantle it, warning that intelligence gathered by local security groups suggests the terrorists may be planning to expand their operations and target prominent individuals and critical installations.

The vigilante leader urged security agencies and government authorities to intensify military and intelligence-driven operations to prevent further attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes across Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not publicly responded to the allegations.

The claims made by Isa have also not been independently verified.