Bello Turji, leader of one of the most notorious bandit groups in northern Nigeria, has reportedly established a new base in the remote Indaduwa Forest. This new development is expected to further escalate the security challenges in the region.
The move is being closely watched by security agencies, as it signals an increase in the group’s criminal activities. Sources familiar with the situation claim that Turji’s group has been using the forest base for a series of ambushes, kidnappings, and other violent crimes, especially targeting travellers and residents of the area.
In recent months, these criminals have become more brazen, extending their attacks to rural communities. Villagers have expressed growing concerns as these bandits, led by Turji, terrorise the countryside with impunity. According to local sources in Illela and Marnona, some community members are allegedly aiding the gang by facilitating ransom payments and providing critical intelligence on the movements of security forces and potential targets.
The establishment of this new camp in the forest comes amidst ongoing internal tensions within Turji’s network. Two sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the decision to set up a new base is linked to conflicts with rival groups and old family feuds. One of the primary reasons for this strategic move is the rivalry between Bello Turji and the Maniya bandit group, a long-standing feud that dates back to his father’s time.
Turji’s father, Rugga Chida, was involved in a violent dispute with the Maniya group many years ago, which led to the killing of Kachalla Dullun, a prominent member of the Maniya faction. This event, still fresh in the memory of many, has shaped Turji’s hostility towards the group. Reports suggest that the bandit leader sees this new base as a way to expand his influence and undermine the Maniya group’s operations, especially in the Dutsin Gwauro area, which serves as their stronghold.
Bello Turji’s group has been one of the most feared in northern Nigeria, responsible for a string of violent crimes. Their activities include kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on security forces. In some cases, they have even raided towns and villages, forcing locals to flee for safety.
The new base in Indaduwa Forest is thought to be strategically located. According to security analysts, the forest offers the bandits a natural defensive advantage. The dense terrain allows them to launch attacks and then quickly retreat without being easily traced by security forces. The area is known for its remoteness, making it difficult for authorities to mount effective operations in the region.
This move by Turji’s group highlights the growing insecurity in northern Nigeria. While the Nigerian government has made efforts to curb banditry through military operations, many regions remain vulnerable to the control of these criminal groups. The rise of these bandit groups in the north is partly linked to the collapse of traditional security systems, as well as poverty and political neglect in the region.
The federal government has faced significant challenges in addressing these issues. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration with the government’s response to the growing insecurity. Some have accused the authorities of being too slow to act, while others suggest that political instability and corruption have hindered effective law enforcement.
Bello Turji’s group has long been known for its ability to evade the security forces, in part due to the support it receives from local informants. Sources have suggested that people in Illela and Marnona, two towns not far from the Indaduwa Forest, have been providing the bandits with intelligence on military and police movements. These towns have also allegedly acted as hubs for collecting ransom money paid by families of kidnapping victims.
The rise of informants within local communities has become a critical issue in the fight against banditry in Nigeria. Many residents feel compelled to cooperate with criminal groups due to fear of retribution. In some cases, families have been left with no choice but to pay ransoms, knowing that failure to comply could result in the brutal death of their loved ones.
Security agencies are reportedly ramping up their operations in the region, but sources say the terrain and lack of information have made it difficult for authorities to take full control. Despite these challenges, there have been calls for increased military presence in the area to try and disrupt Turji’s operations before they spread further.
The rivalry between Turji’s group and the Maniya bandits remains a significant factor in the ongoing conflict in the region. The feud has roots in longstanding family and tribal tensions that are now playing out in the form of violent clashes between the two factions. The recent increase in bandit activity is seen as an effort by Turji to strengthen his position in the region and expand his control over key areas previously held by his rivals.
However, this has not gone unnoticed by rival groups. The rise of Turji’s base in Indaduwa Forest is expected to provoke further clashes between the two factions. Experts have warned that if these tensions are not addressed, they could escalate into more widespread violence, affecting neighbouring communities and further destabilising the region.
The impact of Turji’s new base on the local population has been devastating. Villagers have reported constant threats from bandits, who have demanded food, money, and other supplies in exchange for safety. Those who refuse or fail to comply have faced violent reprisals. Many residents have fled to nearby towns in search of refuge, while others remain in fear of further attacks.
While some have called for increased military action, others argue that addressing the root causes of banditry, such as poverty, lack of education, and weak governance, is crucial in finding a long-term solution. The situation in northern Nigeria is complex, with various factors contributing to the rise of criminal gangs like Turji’s.
