A fresh security reports have revealed that loyalists of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, were allegedly conducting weapons training and tactical exercises in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor.
Penpushing reports that an intelligence report, gathering said the weapon training is reportedly taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji were said to be undergoing military-style drills using newly acquired weapons.
The Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, in the report released alleged that some of Turji’s key associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, believed to be the bandit kingpin’s younger brother, are involved in the exercise.
Penpushing further reports that Altine stated that intelligence reaching his organisation indicated that the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area.
“Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Altine alleged that preliminary intelligence points to the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons and the presence of newly recruited fighters believed to have links with insurgent groups.
“There are indications that some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states’, he stated.
Penpushing reports that Altine equally claimed that intelligence gathered from Binchi suggested that night-vision devices allegedly acquired by Turji recently formed part of the equipment delivered to the group’s camps.
The security advocate explained that ongoing investigations have also linked two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, to the alleged procurement and movement of the weapons.
“Sources suggest that Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo played significant roles in facilitating the delivery of these arms alongside Bello Turji. Investigations are also revealing details of a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that Altine warned that the alleged collaboration could have wider security implications for communities in eastern Sokoto, claiming that intelligence reports point to plans aimed at expanding the group’s influence in the region.
“There are growing concerns that the alliance forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen their operational presence across eastern Sokoto. Intelligence sources have expressed fears that coordinated attacks may be planned against some local government headquarters before the peak of the rainy season,” he added.
Penpushing also reports that he called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take proactive measures to verify the intelligence and prevent any potential threat to lives and property.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations, and the claims contained in the intelligence report could not be independently verified.
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