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

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.