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Bello Turji Boasts of Killing Soldiers as Army Confirms Sokoto Weapons Camp

Published

3 hours ago

June 21, 2026

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Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji

Bello Turji Boasts of Killing Soldiers as Army Confirms Sokoto Weapons Camp

Security tensions escalate across eastern Sokoto following deadly IED attack, with intelligence reports indicating Turji’s fighters are conducting military-style drills with newly acquired weapons

SOKOTO, Nigeria — Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has surfaced in a video claiming victory over security personnel following a deadly incident involving troops in Sokoto State. The development comes after an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly detonated on a military vehicle conveying soldiers to the Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area, killing at least two personnel and injuring several others.

The soldiers were said to be heading to the community in response to a distress call after bandits attacked the area in the early hours of Saturday. Residents said armed men stormed the village between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing gunshots and forcing residents to seek assistance from security operatives. One resident, who requested anonymity, alleged that the attackers planted the explosive device along the Isa-Bargaja road before the troops arrived.

In the video released after the incident, Turji expressed satisfaction over the reported deaths of some of those he described as his enemies. “We thank Allah for allowing us to witness this Saturday, June 20. After thanking Allah, in this country of ours, Nigeria, especially in some areas where we have been facing constant challenges,” he said. “God willing, Allah has granted us victory over those who have been rustling our livestock and killing our innocent brothers in some local government areas including Isa, Zamfara, Sokoto State, Sabon Birni and other local government areas around. Allah granted us victory over these people carrying out operations against us and taking away our livestock. We have succeeded in killing some of them, and we have successfully recovered our livestock from their hands.”

The claims made in the video and related social media posts could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

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Meanwhile, concerns over security in the region have intensified following allegations that Turji is expanding his operational capacity and acquiring additional weapons. The concerns were raised by Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, who made the claims in a Facebook post and subsequent video.

According to Basharu, fighters loyal to Turji, including Illa Manawa and Bomi, believed to be Turji’s younger brother, recently gathered in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja along the Sokoto-Zamfara border. He alleged that the group was conducting military-style drills and weapons training with newly acquired arms, some of which were reportedly used during recent clashes with security personnel operating in the area.

Basharu further claimed that intelligence reports suggested the weapons were part of a recent shipment obtained by the group. The activist also alleged that fighters with suspected links to Boko Haram had moved into the area to provide training and strengthen Turji’s ranks with advanced combat skills. He said the activities were taking place in communities located along the border between Sokoto and Zamfara states.

In addition, Basharu claimed that information from sources in Binchi indicated that a night-vision device allegedly purchased by Turji formed part of the equipment recently delivered to his camp. He also linked the acquisition and movement of the weapons to Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo, whom he described as commanders operating major bandit camps beyond the Maradun River. According to him, both men played key roles in facilitating the delivery of the weapons to Turji’s network.

The activist further alleged that emerging intelligence pointed to a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji, which he said could be aimed at expanding their influence across eastern parts of Sokoto State. He warned that the alleged collaboration might be part of preparations for coordinated attacks on the headquarters of five local government areas before the height of the rainy season.

Significantly, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that it is aware of the intelligence reports regarding weapons training and tactical drills allegedly being conducted by Turji and his loyalists in parts of Isa Local Government Area . The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lt. Col. Osoba Olaniyi, assured that the military is actively assessing the situation and implementing appropriate security measures . Security sources further alleged that the exercises involve armed fighters loyal to Turji, including close associates such as Illa Manawa and Dodo, reportedly his younger brother . Preliminary assessments suggest the weapons may form part of a recent supply delivered to the group, raising concerns over an increase in firepower among armed gangs operating in the region .

The alleged drills are reportedly taking place in remote border communities linking Sokoto and Zamfara States, an area that has remained difficult to secure despite ongoing military operations under the campaign known as Operation Fansan Yamma . Investigators have further linked suspected commanders such as Kachalla Haru Dole and Kachalla Ibrahim Chimo to arms movement and coordination across the region .

Hours after making the allegations, Basharu shared another video on Facebook which he claimed showed some of the newly acquired weapons in Turji’s possession. In an accompanying post, he alleged that the footage was released by Turji on June 20, 2026, and displayed some of the weapons referenced in his earlier claims. He also alleged that Turji used the recording to showcase what he described as successful operations against security personnel along the Isa-Bargaja corridor.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not answered as of the time this report was filed.

The continued violence has taken a heavy toll on rural communities across the North-west, where residents have repeatedly abandoned their farms because of attacks, kidnappings, and demands for protection levies by armed groups. The renewed insecurity comes at a critical period in the farming season, raising concerns among residents and humanitarian organisations about food production and livelihoods in areas already affected by years of conflict.

Bello Turji Boasts of Killing Soldiers as Army Confirms Sokoto Weapons Camp

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Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

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Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

Published

3 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

KADUNA, Nigeria — In a horrifying display of mob violence that has sent shockwaves across the state, a woman was dragged from police custody and lynched by an angry crowd in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State on Saturday, June 21, 2026. The victim, identified as Malama Ummulkhairi, an Islamic teacher and mother of more than five children, was accused of child theft—an allegation that police and witnesses have since described as completely unsubstantiated. The Kaduna State Police Command has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law.” Several suspects have already been arrested, and a comprehensive investigation is underway.

The tragic chain of events began on the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2026, when Malama Ummulkhairi reportedly traveled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture in the old Maraban Jos axis. According to witnesses and family members, she became separated from her companions and lost her way, prompting her to seek directions from children in the neighborhood. Shortly afterward, residents in the vicinity accused her of attempting to steal children—an allegation that police later confirmed was not supported by any evidence.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call at approximately 10:00 a.m. reporting that a woman was being attacked by a mob over the child theft allegations. The DPO immediately mobilized a team of officers to the scene, successfully rescued Malama Ummulkhairi from the angry crowd, and took her into protective custody at the local police station for her safety and to facilitate a proper investigation. The police action was intended to ensure the woman’s safety while authorities could verify the allegations against her.

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Despite police intervention, the situation escalated dramatically when hundreds of angry residents reportedly stormed the Maraban Jos police station. The massive crowd allegedly overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, and dragged her from the station. “Despite this, a large crowd in their hundreds later stormed and besieged the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her, and set her body ablaze,” the police statement read. The victim, described as a native of Maraban Jos, was killed and her body set on fire by the mob.

The Kaduna State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, issued a strong statement condemning the act. The command described the mob action as a grave violation of the law and a direct challenge to the justice system. “The Kaduna State Police Command strongly condemns the mob violence that resulted in the gruesome killing of the woman. This act is barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law,” the statement said.

The police command disclosed that several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killing. A manhunt is currently ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the attack. “Several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved. A comprehensive investigation has commenced, and all culprits will face the full weight of the law,” the statement confirmed.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has warned residents against resorting to jungle justice and mob violence. He emphasized that the command will not tolerate attacks on police facilities and personnel. “Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons or activities to the Police and allow due process. The Command will not tolerate jungle justice, mob action, or attacks on police formations and personnel,” CP Muhammad stated. The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and upholding justice in accordance with the law.

Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

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Dangote: My Goal Is to Industrialise Africa, Not Accumulate Wealth

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote

Dangote: My Goal Is to Industrialise Africa, Not Accumulate Wealth

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said that his ultimate ambition is not to accumulate wealth but to leave a lasting legacy by helping to industrialise Africa and transform the continent into a global economic powerhouse.

Dangote made the disclosure during an interview with entrepreneur and motivational speaker James Dumoulin, founder of the School of Hard Knocks platform, where he spoke extensively about his business journey, personal philosophy, faith, wealth, and vision for Africa’s future.

The billionaire industrialist said he has moved beyond the stage of building businesses solely for financial gain and is now focused on creating industries capable of generating jobs, stimulating economic growth and reducing Africa’s dependence on imports.

“I have actually passed the stage of just doing business to make money. I want to leave a legacy. I want to be remembered as somebody who has industrialised Africa,” Dangote said.

The statement offers fresh insight into the motivation behind the billionaire’s massive investments across sectors including cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser, petrochemicals, oil refining and infrastructure development.

Over the years, Dangote has built one of Africa’s largest business empires through strategic investments aimed at addressing critical gaps in local production and manufacturing. His flagship projects, particularly the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and fertiliser plants, have been widely viewed as transformative investments capable of reshaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape and reducing reliance on imported products.

The business mogul noted that creating sustainable industries that can drive economic development across Africa is far more important to him than his position on global billionaire rankings.

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According to Dangote, Africa possesses enormous untapped potential and has all the resources needed to become a major force in the global economy if governments and private investors focus on industrialisation and value addition.

His comments are consistent with his long-standing advocacy for increased local manufacturing and intra-African investment. The billionaire has repeatedly argued that Africa must move away from exporting raw materials and instead develop industries that process resources into finished products capable of competing in international markets.

Speaking on his wealth, Dangote suggested that publicly available estimates of his net worth do not fully reflect the true value of his business empire because several of the group’s biggest assets remain privately held.

“What are they saying? I don’t really look at those things. They say I’m worth $38 billion, but most of our businesses are not listed yet. It will come out soon.”

His remarks have renewed speculation about the possible future listing of major subsidiaries within the Dangote Group, particularly the Dangote Refinery, which industry analysts believe could significantly boost the group’s valuation once listed on the stock market.

The refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has already begun supplying petroleum products and is expected to play a major role in reducing Nigeria’s fuel import dependence while strengthening energy security across the region.

Dangote also used the interview to make a strong case for investment in Africa, describing the continent as the next major frontier for global economic growth.

“The real future is Africa.”

He pointed to Africa’s rapidly growing population as one of its greatest economic advantages, noting that approximately 70 per cent of Africans are under the age of 30. According to him, the continent’s population is projected to reach about 2.5 billion people by 2050, creating vast opportunities for industrial expansion, innovation, entrepreneurship and consumer growth.

The billionaire further revealed that companies under the Dangote Group generated approximately $10 billion in revenue during the first quarter of the year, underscoring the scale and reach of the conglomerate’s operations across multiple sectors and African markets.

Beyond refining and fertiliser production, Dangote recently unveiled plans to expand into additional sectors including steel manufacturing, electricity generation, gas infrastructure, logistics and port development, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate industrialisation across Africa.

Industry observers say these investments could play a significant role in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing development challenges, including unemployment, infrastructure deficits and limited manufacturing capacity.

Dangote has also consistently emphasised the importance of stable electricity supply to economic growth, arguing that reliable power remains one of the biggest obstacles to industrial development in many African countries.

On the subject of faith, the billionaire reaffirmed his belief in God, attributing much of his success to divine guidance and blessings.

“If I look at myself, I know that God is real.”

Despite being ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals, Dangote maintained that wealth itself is not his primary objective. Instead, he said his focus remains on building institutions and industries that will outlive him and continue contributing to Africa’s economic transformation for generations.

As African nations increasingly seek economic self-reliance, stronger manufacturing sectors and greater value addition, Dangote’s vision reflects a broader push for African industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable development.

For the billionaire entrepreneur, the true measure of success will not be the billions attached to his name but the impact of the industries he leaves behind and their contribution to Africa’s future prosperity.

Dangote: My Goal Is to Industrialise Africa, Not Accumulate Wealth

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Kanu Expels Ex-IPOB Leader, Nine Others Over Alleged Misconduct

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7 hours ago

June 21, 2026

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Kanu Expels Ex-IPOB Leader, Nine Others Over Alleged Misconduct

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has announced the indefinite expulsion of former senior official Chika Edoziem and nine other members of the dissolved third administration of the movement’s Directorate of State (DOS), accusing them of violating the organisation’s code of conduct and undermining its leadership.

The decision, contained in a statement dated June 21, 2026, comes just days after the Edoziem-led faction announced Kanu’s purported suspension as IPOB leader over what it described as “unguarded utterances” and allegations of misconduct. IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, had earlier dismissed the suspension as unconstitutional, insisting that the third Directorate of State had already been dissolved and no longer possessed the authority to take decisions on behalf of the movement. (The Eagle Online)

In the latest development, Kanu, who is serving a life sentence on terrorism-related charges, announced the indefinite expulsion of Edoziem, Tony Nzurumike, Austin Agbanyim, Chukwudi Oforma, Isaiah Ubah, Collins Chinedu, Chinasa Nworu, Fidelis Ejiogu, Chidinma Nworu (also known as Juliet Edward Filatro), and Keke Uda.

According to the statement, the affected individuals “are hereby expelled from IPOB indefinitely” and “no longer represent, speak for, or act in any capacity on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra.”

Kanu explained that he appointed the third administration of the Directorate of State from detention in March 2017, giving it an initial six-month tenure that expired on September 16, 2017, but allowed members to continue serving at his discretion.

He maintained that while the dissolution of the administration was an administrative decision, the latest expulsions were disciplinary actions prompted by what he described as repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct.

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“The Indigenous People of Biafra is governed by its Code of Conduct, which remains the supreme governing instrument of the movement. Every officer, coordinator, representative and member is bound by its provisions without exception,” the statement said.

Kanu further asserted that the power to appoint, suspend, remove or expel officers of the movement resides exclusively in the office of the Supreme Leader.

The expelled officials were accused of abandoning him during his detention by allegedly failing to provide adequate legal representation, welfare and medical support. They were also accused of ignoring his directive for pro-Biafra groups, including AVID, Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, to raise funds for his medical treatment while he was in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Other allegations levelled against the former officials include undermining his legal team, attacking his lawyers, making allegations against members of his family, spreading what he described as false narratives about the circumstances surrounding his continued prosecution after the Court of Appeal judgment of October 13, 2022, and repeatedly disregarding his directives.

The statement also accused the expelled members of claiming that President Bola Tinubu would only facilitate his release if he abandoned the Biafra agitation, circulating what it described as fabricated claims that two African countries advised them to abandon him, removing officers he had appointed without authorisation, altering the IPOB oath of office and engaging in activities allegedly aimed at weakening the organisation.

“Their repeated violations of the IPOB Code of Conduct and refusal to heed repeated warnings have necessitated this disciplinary action,” the statement added.

Kanu also warned that any individual, group or organisation that associates with or recognises the expelled members as IPOB representatives would be regarded as acting against the interests of the movement and the Biafra cause.

He directed members and supporters worldwide to recognise and support the fourth administration of the Directorate of State headed by Chris Nwaogu, insisting that IPOB “remains resolute, focused and united” under its current leadership.

The latest expulsions deepen an ongoing leadership dispute within IPOB, which intensified after the Edoziem-led Directorate of State announced Kanu’s purported suspension earlier in the week. The faction had argued that no individual possesses the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, while the Kanu-backed leadership maintains that the body had already been dissolved before it issued the suspension notice. (The Eagle Online)