Bello Turji, the notorious bandit leader linked to numerous acts of terror in Nigeria’s northwest region, has resurfaced in Sokoto State and is reportedly imposing a N25 million levy on villages in the state’s eastern part. The accusation was made by Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, who represents Sabon Birnin Gobir.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Boza raised the alarm over Turji’s presence in the Isa and Sabon Birni areas of Sokoto, two regions that have long been plagued by banditry and violent attacks. According to Boza, Turji has begun extorting money from villagers, forcing each community to pay the hefty sum of N25 million. This latest development follows the bandit leader’s reappearance after several months of hiding.
The lawmaker’s claims have sparked widespread concern among locals and security experts, with many questioning how the terrorist leader has managed to operate so openly in these areas.
Bello Turji has long been one of the most feared and elusive figures in the fight against banditry in Nigeria. Known for orchestrating attacks, kidnappings, and killings across the northwest, his name has become synonymous with terror in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and other parts of the region. His group, made up of well-armed militants, has been responsible for countless deaths, displacements, and other atrocities in the area.
However, after months of relative silence, Turji’s return to the Isa and Sabon Birni areas in Sokoto has reignited fears of further violence. His alleged demand for N25 million from each village has added a new layer of desperation to the already tense situation in the region.
Boza, the lawmaker representing Sabon Birnin Gobir, expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation, calling on security agencies and local authorities to take swift action against the bandits. “Bello Turji is currently in the Isa and Sabon Birni axis of Sokoto. He has even imposed a ₦25 million levy per village in some communities,” Boza said.
The lawmaker’s statement indicates that Turji’s return to the region is not just about intimidation but also a renewed push for financial control over communities that have long been suffering under the weight of banditry.
Boza’s call for action is not unique. Residents of Sokoto and neighbouring states have long demanded more decisive action from security agencies in their bid to restore peace to the region. The rise of bandit groups in the northwest has placed enormous pressure on local authorities and the military to curb the growing violence.
While military operations against Turji and other bandit leaders have been ongoing for some time, many residents feel that these efforts have not yielded the expected results. Some even claim that the military’s actions have been ineffective in dismantling the vast network of bandits that operate with apparent impunity.
In the face of these mounting pressures, General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, recently addressed the nation, giving some hope that Turji’s reign of terror could soon come to an end. General Musa confirmed that military operations had significantly weakened Turji’s network, stating that the elimination of several top lieutenants had left the bandit leader with limited options.
During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, General Musa revealed that Turji had shown signs of wanting to surrender. According to the Defence Chief, Turji’s group had suffered substantial losses in recent months, leading to his expressed desire to end the violence.
“He is now forced to release most of the people under him,” General Musa said. “Recently, he has begun to say he doesn’t want anything; he is ready to surrender.”
While the prospect of Turji’s surrender might offer some hope for ending the cycle of violence, General Musa was clear that surrendering would not absolve him of his past crimes. The Defence Chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring that bandit leaders like Turji face justice for their actions.
“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay,” General Musa declared, sending a strong message to those responsible for terrorising communities across Nigeria.
Bello Turji’s name has become a symbol of the deep-rooted banditry problem in Nigeria’s northwest. His group has been linked to high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of students and travellers, as well as raids on villages where innocent civilians are often killed or displaced. The bandits have become so entrenched in the region that they have managed to carve out strongholds in remote parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, making it difficult for authorities to dislodge them.
In recent years, the Nigerian government has ramped up military operations in the region, deploying the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and other security agencies to target the bandits. While these efforts have led to some successes, including the killing of high-ranking bandit leaders, many critics argue that the government’s strategy has been too fragmented and inconsistent to make a lasting impact.
