Fresh concerns have risen over security in Nigeria’s North-West after claims that wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji, has obtained advanced weapons and is working with Boko Haram fighters to train and equip new recruits.
The allegation was made by Bashir Altine Guyawa Isa, leader of Rundunar Adalchi in Sokoto State, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Monday.
Isa said intelligence from local vigilante groups shows that Turji and his associates have set up a training camp near the Sokoto–Zamfara border. He claimed recruits are being trained and armed there for future attacks.
He added that the camp has been operating for some time and is used for recruitment, indoctrination, and training of fighters who are later deployed to attack communities across the North-West.
According to him, Boko Haram members are also involved, providing training and logistical support, which he said has strengthened the operations of criminal groups in the region.
Isa warned that the camp poses a serious threat to public safety and could weaken ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in affected areas.
He further claimed authorities are aware of the facility and called for urgent action to dismantle it. He also warned that available intelligence suggests possible plans to expand operations and target prominent individuals and critical installations.
He urged security agencies to step up military and intelligence operations to stop further attacks, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in Sokoto, Zamfara, and nearby states.
Security agencies have not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and the claims have not been independently verified.
