‘We Have Succeeded In Killing Some Of Them’ – Turji Speaks After Soldiers’ Death

Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has spoken after soldiers were reportedly killed in Sokoto State.

At least two soldiers were said to have been killed, while several others sustained injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) hit a military vehicle conveying troops to the Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area.

The troops were reportedly responding to a distress call after bandits attacked the community in the early hours of Saturday.

In a video released after the incident, Turji claimed he was pleased that some of his enemies had been killed.

He said, “We thank Allah for allowing us to witness this Saturday, June 20.

“Allah has granted us victory over those who have been rustling our livestock and killing our innocent brothers in some local government areas including Isa, Zamfara, Sokoto State, Sabon Birni and other local government areas around.

“We have succeeded in killing some of them, and we have successfully recovered our livestock from their hands.”

The claims in the video could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Fresh Concerns Over Weapons

Meanwhile, fresh security concerns have emerged after Sokoto-based activist, Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa, alleged that Turji was strengthening his fighters and acquiring new weapons along the Sokoto-Zamfara border.

Basharu claimed in a Facebook post that Turji’s fighters were holding gatherings and undergoing weapons training in communities stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East and Bargaja.

He alleged that newly arrived fighters with links to Boko Haram had entered the area to train Turji’s men.

Basharu further alleged that some bandit commanders were helping Turji acquire and move weapons.

He claimed the development could be part of preparations for coordinated attacks on five local government headquarters in eastern Sokoto before the peak of the rainy season.

Hours after making the allegations, the activist shared a video on Facebook which he claimed showed some newly acquired weapons in Turji’s possession.