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.
“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,” he said.
Altine further alleged that preliminary intelligence points to the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons and the presence of newly recruited fighters believed to have links with insurgent groups.
“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,” Altine stated.
The security advocate also claimed that intelligence gathered from Binchi suggested that night-vision devices allegedly acquired by Turji recently formed part of the equipment delivered to the group’s camps.
According to him, ongoing investigations have also linked two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the alleged procurement and movement of the weapons.
“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.
Altine warned that the alleged collaboration could have wider security implications for communities in eastern Sokoto, claiming that intelligence reports point to plans aimed at expanding the group’s influence in the region.
“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 called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take proactive measures to verify the intelligence and prevent any potential threat to lives and property.
Credit: PUNCH
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