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Tension as Bandit Leader, Bello Turji Establishes New Base in Sokoto
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Zagazola Makama, a renowned counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, disclosed the information in a post on his X account on Sunday. He noted that the gang’s activities are expanding into areas around Galadi, Maradun, Gundumi, and Raba.
Makama revealed that the base, reportedly set up three weeks ago, has been linked to recent violent incidents, including the blockade of the Isa-Marnona road. On December 21, members of Turji’s group allegedly ambushed security forces on the Gundumi-Isa road.
The security expert also highlighted that over 40 individuals are believed to be held hostage by Turji’s group in the Indaduwa Forest. Survivors recently released from captivity reportedly confirmed the gang’s activities and the involvement of informants in Marnona and Gidan Rana in facilitating ransom payments.
Makama further explained the motivations behind the new camp, attributing it to ongoing conflicts with rival bandits and unresolved feuds. Turji is said to be in a longstanding rivalry with the Maniya group, a feud inherited from his father, Rugga Chida. This rivalry led to a deadly clash years ago, resulting in the death of a key Maniya leader, Kachalla Dullun.
Turji reportedly views the Indaduwa Forest base as a strategic location to counter the Maniya group’s influence, particularly in Dutsin Gwauro, which serves as their headquarters. According to Makama, the group’s activities from the new base include ambushes, kidnappings, and ransom negotiations coordinated by local informants.
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