Sokoto state is gripped by fresh security fears after an intelligence report disclosed that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are allegedly carrying out weapon training and tactical exercises in communities along the Sokoto-Zamfara border corridor. The report, released by the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, has heightened anxiety in eastern Sokoto.
Training Grounds Identified
The intelligence indicates that the terrorist drills are taking place in border towns such as Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja. Fighters linked to Turji were observed undergoing military-style drilling with newly acquired weapons. Basharu Altine, Sokoto state coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, raised the alarm in a statement. He alleged that key associates of the bandit leader, including Illa Manawa and Dodo—believed to be Turji's younger brothers—are involved in the exercises.
Sophisticated Weapons
According to Altine, intelligence reaching his organization shows that the bandits are being trained on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. This development comes amid a broader security crisis in Nigeria. Another report indicates that 279 people were kidnapped in Nigeria in May 2026, while 842 died from 156 recorded violent incidents across the country during the same period.
Public Reactions
The report has sparked reactions from Nigerians. Falade Isaac commented: "Only the reported ones, it's more than this. I have never come across kidnapping incidents that happened at Ijebu Itele, Ijebu East local government, in any newspaper or social media in recent times. At least two people were killed last month in kidnapper den, their bodies were later recovered." Ikeagwuchi Godwin stated: "The northern region is the real problem of the country; all the evil things always come out from the Northern states, kidnapping, banditry, killing and criminals; they all originate from the Northern region. Why can't the rest of the people ask the North to go their separate ways for peace to rain? Very sad indeed, mad people everywhere." Prince Debo decried insecurity in Kwara state: "What Sunday did in Oyo, so nobody to come out in Kwara and reject that nonsense." Calvin Manganyi alleged: "No wonder Nigerians are no longer wanted anywhere in the world."
