U.S. Dismisses Allegations of Funding Boko Haram…Bandit Attack on Local Security Post Foiled…Wanted Bandit Leader Turji Imposes $16,523 Levy on Villages…Authorities Unveil Mastermind Behind Violence in Katsina
- U.S. Dismisses Claims of Funding Boko Haram
The U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has refuted allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Boko Haram.
“The United States categorically rejects any claims that it funds Boko Haram or any terrorist organisation in Nigeria,” Mills told reporters Wednesday night, according to TheCable.
Mills emphasized that Boko Haram has been designated a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, a move aimed at restricting its financial activities. “We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that USAID funding, any of our assistance funding, whether that comes from USAID or the Department of Defense, is not diverted to a terrorist group like Boko Haram,” he said, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
He assured that strict measures are in place to prevent U.S. aid from being diverted to terrorist groups. “If we ever had evidence presented to the U.S. that a program funding was being diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate along with our Nigerian partners,” Mills added.
- Bandits Attack Security Base in Central Nigeria, Flee as Forces Respond
Armed bandits attacked a local security outpost in Wayam Village, Rafi County of Niger State in Central Nigeria, but no casualties were reported, security sources confirmed Thursday.
The attack happened around noon on Tuesday, February 18, when a large group of bandits, riding about 125 motorcycles, stormed the outpost, an intelligence source told Zagazola Makama.
“Fortunately, none of the vigilantes (local security volunteers) were in the camp at the time of the attack, so no lives were lost,” the officer said.
Security forces were alerted, and tactical teams were deployed, but the attackers fled before they arrived. “We are closely monitoring their movements, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend them,” the source added.
- Turji’s Reign of Terror Continues: Sokoto Villages Forced to Pay $16,523 Levy
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has resurfaced in eastern Sokoto State after weeks of laying low due to intensified military operations, where he has reportedly imposed a ₦25 million ($16,523) levy on local villages, according to a state lawmaker.
Zagazola Makama reports that Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State legislature, raised the alarm while addressing journalists on Tuesday, calling for urgent action to curb Turji’s activities.
Turji, known for orchestrating numerous attacks in Northwestern Nigeria, has been under heavy military pressure. Recently, the Nigerian military announced the killing of his second-in-command and several other terrorists in ongoing efforts to dismantle his network.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, noted the military’s commitment to capturing Turji, stating, “Bello Turji is on the run as we speak and for everywhere he goes, we follow him there.”
- Security Forces Target Notorious Bandit Leader Jan Kare in Katsina
Authorities have identified Jan Kare, a notorious bandit leader, as one of the key figures behind violent attacks in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, security sources confirmed.
Kare, who operates from Tsaskiya Forest in Safana County, is accused of leading a network of armed criminals responsible for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and deadly raids across multiple communities.
His influence reportedly extends to Danmusa, Safana, Dutsin-Ma, Kurfi, and Matazu Counties, where he allegedly extorts villagers and imposes levies.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track him down, urging residents to share information that could lead to his capture.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
