Defense and Security
Fear in North-West as Bello Turji Allegedly Acquires Advanced Weapons, Sets Up Terror Training Camp
Fresh security concerns have emerged in Nigeria’s North-West following allegations that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons and established links with Boko Haram fighters to strengthen his operations.
The claims were made by the leader of Rundunar Adalchi in Sokoto State, Bashir Altine Guyawa Isa, during an interview with BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Monday.
According to Isa, intelligence gathered by local security volunteers indicates that Turji and his associates have established a training camp near the Sokoto-Zamfara border, where recruits are allegedly being trained, indoctrinated and armed for future attacks.
He alleged that the facility has been operating for some time and serves as a strategic base for the recruitment and preparation of fighters who are later deployed across communities in the North-West region.
Isa further claimed that members of Boko Haram are providing training and logistical support at the camp, a development he said has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of criminal groups in the area.
The vigilante leader expressed concern that the continued existence of the camp poses a serious threat to public safety and could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in affected communities.
He also alleged that authorities are aware of the camp’s existence and called for urgent action to dismantle the facility before the security situation deteriorates further.
According to him, intelligence reports available to local security groups suggest that the terrorists may be planning to expand their operations beyond rural communities and target critical infrastructure as well as prominent individuals.
Isa warned that failure to respond swiftly could embolden the armed groups and expose more communities in Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states to attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
He urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations and take decisive measures to neutralise emerging threats in the region.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and security agencies have yet to issue an official response to the claims.