DHQ mum as residents panic over Turji’s return
The Defence Headquarters has remained silent following the return of terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, which has sparked panic among residents of Sokoto State.
In separate operations conducted in January 2025, the military announced the killing of Aminu Kanawa, the second-in-command to Turji, along with 31 other fighters and Turji’s son.
The DHQ also reported that troops inflicted serious injuries on some of Turji’s close allies, including his younger brother.
The military stated that Turji fled during one of the operations, calling him a coward for abandoning his son and fighters during the gun battle.
However, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni Local Government, Aminu Boza, told journalists last week that Turji had resurfaced in Sokoto State and imposed a N25m levy on villages.
He also revealed that Turji had set up camp in a forest in the Isa Local Government Area.
“Bello Turji is currently in the Isa and Sabon Birni axis of Sokoto. He has even imposed a N25m levy per village in some communities,” Boza said, adding that Turji had been collecting taxes from the local population.
Turji’s re-emergence has heightened fears among residents who have long suffered from the activities of bandits in Sokoto and neighboring areas.
Efforts to reach the Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, for comments on what the military is doing to allay residents’ fears proved abortive.
Calls and messages to his line from last Thursday through Sunday had yet to be answered at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.
Speaking on Saturday at a security summit organised by the Movement for Social Justice in collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, Aliyu emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in security management.
He acknowledged the widespread security challenges facing Nigeria, which have significantly hindered the country’s economic, political, and social development.
According to him, every region in the country faces distinct security threats, with Sokoto and other North-West states grappling with banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling—especially in the eastern part of the state.
Governor Aliyu stated that upon assuming office, his administration swiftly implemented decisive measures to improve security through collaboration with conventional security agencies.
“Before we came into office, several communities were under the control of bandits, who dictated the terms of daily life to residents,” he said.
To address the situation, the governor outlined several proactive steps taken by his administration, which includes, “restoring security allowances previously owed to security personnel and procuring and distributing over 140 Buffalo and Hilux vans to security agencies for enhanced surveillance.”
“Providing motorcycles to the Department of State Services to improve intelligence gathering, sharing, and surveillance as well as upgrading DSS tracking equipment from 2G and 3G to 5G technology.”
Furthermore, Governor Aliyu highlighted the establishment of the Sokoto State Security Guard Corps to complement conventional security forces.
The corps, he said, had been equipped with Hilux vans, 700 motorcycles, and fully operational offices in the 13 local governments most affected by insecurity.
Additionally, the government has facilitated the full operationalisation of the Sokoto State Air Force Base by providing essential facilities, including hangars and other logistical support, to strengthen aerial surveillance and neutralise bandit hideouts.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promptly addressing the needs of security agencies, emphasising that these efforts had led to a noticeable reduction in banditry.
He noted that security forces have successfully repelled several attacks, demonstrating the effectiveness of the measures put in place.
“Our administration is fully committed to ensuring the safety of Sokoto State. We are prepared to spend every last kobo in the state’s account to protect our people,” he declared.
