Fresh concerns over security have surfaced in parts of eastern Sokoto State following allegations that fighters loyal to notorious bandit leader, , are undergoing weapons training and tactical drills in communities near the Sokoto-Zamfara border.
The claims were contained in an intelligence report made public by the Sokoto State Coordinator of the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, who alleged that the exercises were taking place across communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu to Bafarawa East and Bargaja.
According to the report, individuals linked to Turji are being trained in the use of newly acquired weapons, with some participants reportedly engaging in military-style exercises aimed at strengthening the group’s operational capabilities.
Altine alleged that some of Turji’s close associates, including Illa Manawa and Dodo, said to be the bandit leader’s younger brother, were actively involved in coordinating the training activities.
He further claimed that intelligence available to the organisation indicated that sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area were being deployed for the drills.
“Our findings suggest that the fighters are currently receiving training on the handling of newly acquired weapons, including some reportedly used during recent encounters with security personnel,” Altine stated.
The security advocate also alleged that preliminary intelligence pointed to the arrival of additional weapons and the presence of newly recruited fighters believed to have connections with insurgent groups operating in the region.
According to him, some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling skills and were allegedly brought in to strengthen Turji’s network across border communities in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Altine further claimed that intelligence gathered from Binchi indicated that night-vision devices recently linked to Turji formed part of the equipment delivered to camps operated by the group.
He also alleged that two suspected bandit commanders, identified as Haru Dole and Ibrahim Chimo, played key roles in facilitating the movement and supply of weapons to the network.
The report further suggested the emergence of a growing alliance between Chimo and Turji, a development Altine warned could pose additional security challenges for communities in eastern Sokoto.
He expressed concern that the alleged collaboration may be part of a broader effort to expand the group’s influence and operational reach within the region.
Altine also claimed that intelligence sources had warned of possible coordinated attacks targeting some local government headquarters before the peak of the rainy season.
He urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, verify the intelligence and take proactive measures to prevent any potential threat to lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official response to the allegations, while the claims contained in the intelligence report could not be independently.