Residents of Sokoto State are terrified of terrorist chief Bello Turji’s return, but the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has said nothing about it.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The military declared in January 2025 that Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, along with Turji’s son and thirty-one other fighters, had been killed during counterterrorism operations. Turji’s close companions, including his younger brother, suffered severe injuries at the hands of the forces, according to the DHQ.
Turji left during one of the missions, the military added, calling him a coward for leaving his men and son behind during the assault. Recent reports, however, indicate that Turji has reappeared in Sokoto State, establishing a new base and levying taxes on villages.
The Return of Turji and Residents’ Increasing Fear Turji’s return was confirmed by Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly who represents Sabon Birni Local Government. At the moment, Bello Turji is in Sokoto’s Isa and Sabon Birni axis. In certain places, he has even levied a ₦25 million charge each village, Boza told reporters.
Boza claims that Turji has established a new camp in the Isa Local Government Area’s woodlands, where he is still collecting taxes from residents, exacerbating the already poor security situation. Because Turji’s gang has a history of attacks, kidnappings, and banditry in Sokoto and nearby states, locals have expressed increased dread and concern.
Military Has Not Responded: Attempts to get a response on the military’s future course of action from Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Media Operations, have not been successful. Residents are unsure of what will be done to stop Turji’s resurgence because calls and mails submitted from Thursday through Sunday have gone unanswered.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
