There are indications that notorious bandit leader Bello
Turji has established a new base.
The base is reportedly located in the Indaduwa Forest,
approximately three kilometres northwest of the village of Bula, near the
boundaries of Gundumi, Galadi, Maradun, and Raba in Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in
the Lake Chad Basin, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday. He
noted that the gang’s activities extend to areas bordering Galadi, Maradun,
Gundumi, and Raba.
Makama stated that the new base, reportedly formed three
weeks ago, has been linked to recent attacks in the region, including the
blockade of the Isa-Marnona road.
He added that an ambush targeting security personnel on the
Gundumi-Isa Road on December 21 was allegedly carried out by operatives from
Turji’s new base.
According to the security expert, more than 40 individuals
are currently believed to be held captive by Turji’s group in the Indaduwa
Forest.
Makama explained that ransom payments are allegedly
facilitated through informants stationed in Marnona and Gidan Rana near the Gundumi-Isa
Road. Survivors recently freed from captivity reportedly confirmed the gang’s
operations in the area.
“Sources suggest that the group operating from the Indaduwa
Forest base has been responsible for ambushes, kidnappings, and other criminal
activities targeting travellers and residents.
“Informants in Illela and Marnona have allegedly been aiding
the gang by facilitating ransom payments and providing intelligence.
“Impeccable sources have identified two primary reasons for
establishing this new camp: conflict with rival bandits and unresolved feuds.
“Turji has an ongoing rivalry with the Maniya group, stemming
from a longstanding feud inherited from his father, Rugga Chida. This feud led
to a violent clash years ago, resulting in the death of Kachalla Dullun, a
prominent Maniya figure.
“Turji reportedly views the new base as a strategic position
to undermine the Maniya group’s operations in the Dutsin Gwauro area, which
serves as their headquarters,” Makama explained.
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