By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Bandit Leader Bello Turji Establishes New Base in Sokoto Near Nigeria–Niger Border
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly established a new base in the Indaduwa Forest, located near Nigeria’s northwest border with Niger, about three kilometers from Bula village in Sokoto State. According to Zagazola Makama, this base has been linked to ambushes, kidnappings, and other crimes targeting travelers on routes connecting local towns, such as Illela and Marnona, small communities near the Niger border.
On December 21, Turji’s group allegedly ambushed security personnel along a road near Gundumi Forest, a dense area in the region, inflicting significant casualties. The gang is said to operate through local informants in nearby villages.
Insiders told Zagazola Makama that the camp’s establishment three weeks ago was driven by Turji’s feud with the Maniya group, a rival faction involved in banditry with which Turji has a longstanding feud and his intent to thwart a planned security outpost in Gundumi Forest. Prominent gang members, including Dan Kwaro and Sani Black, are now active at the new base, reportedly holding more than 40 captives.
Imam Arrested in Northern Nigeria for Giving Aid and Comfort to Bandits
A 75-year-old Imam, Alhaji Lambo Ilela, has been arrested in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria, for allegedly ministering to bandits terrorizing the region. Local vigilantes apprehended Ilela and handed him over to authorities after he reportedly confessed during interrogation.
In a video posted by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the cleric, speaking in Hausa, admitted to his involvement, with Sahara Reporters translating his confession into English. “I am Alhaji Lambo Ilela… I am a spiritual guide for the bandits who operate in the bush… I have been offering spiritual support to the bandits for almost six years,” he said.
His “spiritual support” involved blessing the bandits’ weapons and praying for the success of their missions. Ilela disclosed receiving payments totaling $1,700 from a notorious bandit leader, Sani Gurugu, for multiple successful attacks, including one in Zamfara’s ungoverned Dan-Sadau area.
Authorities are continuing their investigation as Zamfara grapples with escalating banditry.
Security Tightened in Abuja for Christmas Amid Rising Concerns
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has deployed 3,180 officers across Nigeria’s capital, Abuja to ensure the safety of citizens during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
FCT Commissioner of Police (CP) Olatunji Disu announced on Monday that the measure was to enhance security at worship centres, public spaces, and event venues.
He said officers would conduct stop-and-search operations, vehicular and foot patrols. In addition, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams would sweep government and public infrastructure for bombs hidden in uncompleted buildings and shanties.
The police say they are collaborating with other security agencies and engaging religious leaders and recreational facility owners to maintain public safety.
Nigerian Government Files Terrorism Charges Against 4 Men Linked to Bello Turji
The Nigerian government has arraigned four individuals linked to notorious fugitive bandit leader Bello Turji on terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects—Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—pleaded not guilty to an 11-count charge filed by the Attorney-General’s office.
The charges include providing material support to terrorist groups, such as drugs, military uniforms, and building materials, for operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states. They were also accused of acquiring a military gun truck from Libya for ₦28,500,000 ($18,412.40), allegedly used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist in northern Nigeria.
Prosecutors confirmed that Turji, who is still on the run alongside three others, is accused of leading violent operations in these regions.
Plateau State Imposes Holiday Curfew After Gunmen Kill 14 in Riyom County
The Nigerian Police have imposed a curfew from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time in five Counties—Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom, and Bokkos—in Plateau State during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo announced the decision following a strategic security meeting in Jos, the state capital. Effective December 23, 2024, through January 3, 2025, the restrictions also ban night activities such as grazing, farming, mining, and motorbike operations.
“Massive deployments have been made to flashpoints within the state,” Alabo said in a statement quoted by TheCable, “to ensure that there are no threats to the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.”
(See Security Alert posted elsewhere on today’s TruthNigeria site.)
The measures come amid concerns over terrorist attacks during holidays. Last Christmas Eve, more than 115 were killed in simultaneous attacks daily across Plateau communities. A recent attack by gunmen who invaded Rido in Riyom County on December 22 claimed 14 lives as reported by TruthNigeria.
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Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
