Bandits leader Bello Turji reportedly establishes new base in Sokoto forest

There are indications that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has established a new base.

The base is reportedly located in the Indaduwa Forest, approximately three kilometres northwest of the village of Bula, near the boundaries of Gundumi, Galadi, Maradun, and Raba in Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday. He noted that the gang’s activities extend to areas bordering Galadi, Maradun, Gundumi, and Raba.

Makama stated that the new base, reportedly formed three weeks ago, has been linked to recent attacks in the region, including the blockade of the Isa-Marnona road.

He added that an ambush targeting security personnel on the Gundumi-Isa Road on December 21 was allegedly carried out by operatives from Turji’s new base.

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According to the security expert, more than 40 individuals are currently believed to be held captive by Turji’s group in the Indaduwa Forest.

Makama explained that ransom payments are allegedly facilitated through informants stationed in Marnona and Gidan Rana near the Gundumi-Isa Road. Survivors recently freed from captivity reportedly confirmed the gang’s operations in the area.

“Sources suggest that the group operating from the Indaduwa Forest base has been responsible for ambushes, kidnappings, and other criminal activities targeting travellers and residents.

“Informants in Illela and Marnona have allegedly been aiding the gang by facilitating ransom payments and providing intelligence.

“Impeccable sources have identified two primary reasons for establishing this new camp: conflict with rival bandits and unresolved feuds.

“Turji has an ongoing rivalry with the Maniya group, stemming from a longstanding feud inherited from his father, Rugga Chida. This feud led to a violent clash years ago, resulting in the death of Kachalla Dullun, a prominent Maniya figure.

“Turji reportedly views the new base as a strategic position to undermine the Maniya group’s operations in the Dutsin Gwauro area, which serves as their headquarters,” Makama explained.