Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara States.
KANo —
Fresh security concerns have emerged in parts of eastern Sokoto State following reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in forested communities along the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor.
The development, contained in an intelligence report released by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, has raised fears of a possible escalation in armed banditry across the region.
Altine disclosed that fighters linked to Turji were undergoing military-style drills involving the use of newly acquired weapons.
He alleged that some of Turji’s key associates, including individuals identified as Illa Manawa and Dodo—believed to be the bandit leader’s younger brother—are actively participating in the training exercises.
“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 said.
He further claimed that intelligence available to his organisation pointed to the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons, as well as the presence of newly recruited fighters believed to have links with insurgent groups operating in the wider North-west region.
“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 added.
The report also alleged that night-vision devices recently acquired by Turji may have been delivered to the group’s camps, potentially enhancing their operational capabilities, especially during night-time attacks.
In addition, Altine linked two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the procurement and movement of the weapons.
According to him, intelligence suggests that both individuals played significant roles in facilitating the delivery of the arms alongside Turji.
“Investigations are also revealing details of a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji,” he stated, warning that such collaboration could have far-reaching implications for security in eastern Sokoto.
Altine expressed concern that the alleged alliance forms part of a broader strategy to expand the group’s operational footprint across the region.
“There are growing concerns that this alliance is aimed at strengthening their presence across eastern Sokoto.
Intelligence sources have expressed fears that coordinated attacks may be planned against some local government headquarters,” he said.
He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance efforts, verify the intelligence, and take proactive steps to prevent potential threats to lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations, and the claims contained in the intelligence report could not be independently verified.
Meanwhile, in a related development, residents of Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area reported that a military convoy responding to a bandit attack struck a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), leaving an unconfirmed number of soldiers dead and several others injured.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday along the Isa–Bargaja road as troops mobilised to the community following a distress call over an overnight raid by armed bandits.
Local sources said the attackers invaded Bargaja between midnight and the early hours of Saturday, forcing villagers to flee and seek military intervention.
Community members alleged that the explosive device had been planted on the route ahead of the arrival of security personnel.
“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive,” a resident said. “Many soldiers were affected. One of the injured soldiers later made his way into the village seeking assistance.”
Another resident disclosed that community leaders had travelled to Isa town to commiserate with military personnel following reports of casualties.
Although the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the incident has heightened anxiety among residents already grappling with persistent insecurity.
Sources familiar with the situation suggested that the troops may have been targeted in a coordinated ambush.
According to one account, an armoured vehicle leading the convoy passed safely, while a subsequent vehicle was struck by the explosive device.
Residents also reported hearing sustained gunfire throughout the night, further fuelling fears of a well-planned attack.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns about the possible adoption of improvised explosive devices by armed groups in Nigeria’s North-west, a region historically plagued by banditry, cattle rustling, and mass abductions.
Just a day before the Sokoto incident, a security alert circulated in neighbouring Zamfara State warned that bandits were allegedly planning to plant explosive devices along major routes in the Zurmi, Dauran, Yanbiki, and Birnin Magaji axis.
While there is no confirmed link between the alert and the explosion in Sokoto, the developments have intensified fears that criminal groups in the region may be evolving their tactics.
Security analysts have repeatedly cautioned that the proliferation of military-style strategies among non-state actors could significantly complicate ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The situation is particularly concerning in eastern Sokoto, including Isa, Sabon Birni, and Goronyo local government areas, where residents continue to face recurrent attacks and displacement.
The combination of alleged weapons training, the influx of new fighters, and the possible deployment of advanced equipment suggests a shifting dynamic in the region’s security landscape.
