Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has released a video boasting about soldiers killed in Sokoto State. In the footage, he expressed jubilation over the deaths and claimed victory against security forces.
At least two soldiers died when an improvised explosive device detonated beneath their military vehicle last Saturday. The troops were traveling to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area to respond to an ongoing bandit assault.
Residents reported that armed bandits stormed the village between 12:30am and 3:00am, firing indiscriminately into homes. Frightened inhabitants immediately called on the military for backup.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers had planted an explosive device on the Isa-Bargaja road before soldiers arrived. Multiple soldiers sustained injuries in the blast.
In his video statement, Turji praised Allah for what he described as a triumph. He claimed his fighters had successfully eliminated enemies and recovered stolen livestock from security operatives.
"We thank Allah for allowing us to witness this Saturday, June 20," Turji said in the recording. He went on to claim victory over those "rustling our livestock and killing our innocent brothers" across Isa, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Sabon Birni areas.
Turji boasted that his men had killed some military personnel and reclaimed their livestock. His statements could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Fresh security alerts have emerged following separate claims from Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa. He serves as Sokoto State Coordinator for the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance.
Basharu posted on Facebook alleging that Turji is significantly expanding his fighting capacity along the Sokoto-Zamfara border. According to him, the bandit commander is acquiring sophisticated weapons and conducting extensive training operations.
Turji's top lieutenants, including Illa Manawa and his younger brother Bomi, allegedly coordinated the exercises. The gatherings stretched across multiple communities including Bingabale Kudu, Bafarewa East, and Bargaja.
Basharu claimed the group was training with newly acquired arms, including weapons used in recent clashes with military forces. He alleged these arms represent a fresh shipment recently obtained by Turji's faction.
The activist also alleged that fighters with suspected Boko Haram connections arrived in the area recently. These individuals reportedly possess advanced combat expertise and are training Turji's men in weapons handling.
Intelligence sources from Binchi allegedly informed Basharu that Turji purchased night-vision equipment last week. According to the activist, this device was among newly delivered equipment transported to Turji's operational camp.
All training activities were reportedly happening in border communities between Sokoto and Zamfara. Security officials have not yet publicly commented on these allegations.
