Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji
Fresh security concerns have emerged in Nigeria’s North-West following allegations that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons and intensified the training of new fighters.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, the leader of Rundunar Adalchi in Sokoto State, Bashir Altine Guyawa Isa, claimed that intelligence available to local vigilantes points to the existence of a training camp near the Sokoto-Zamfara border.
According to him, the facility is being used to train, arm and prepare recruits for future attacks across communities in the region.
Isa further alleged that members of Boko Haram are providing weapons-handling training and logistical support to the recruits, boosting the operational strength of the criminal groups.
He warned that the alleged acquisition of advanced weapons and continued training activities pose a growing threat to public safety in Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The vigilante leader also claimed that security authorities are aware of the camp and urged immediate action to dismantle it before the situation worsens.
However, security agencies have yet to publicly respond to the allegations, which have not been independently verified.
