From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sok.moto
The armed faction loyal to Bello Turji is reorganizing in Kuka Tara Forest of Sokoto state after heavy flooding forced them out of their former bases in lowland areas of Isa, Sabon Birni and Shinkafi Local Government Areas.
According to Basharu Altine, a security commentator, six motorcycles carrying gunmen and weapons, led by Duna, Turji’s younger brother, were seen establishing a new camp in the forest on Monday evening.
He warned that the move signals a fresh threat to surrounding communities. “The flooding has pushed Turji’s fighters into higher forested zones, but this relocation is also a tactical reorganization,” he added.
He said that there new position in western Shinkafi puts the group close to the former base of slain bandit Halilu Sububu, while also opening the possibility of alliances with notorious commanders like Kachalla Chomo and Kachalla Haru Dole, both long linked to terrorizing villages in Sokoto and Zamfara.
“Beyond Kuka Tara lies Dustin Gwabro, a strategic forest corridor bordering Bakura and Raba, which has sheltered fighters in the past. Among them was Dan Mai Gari, brother of Bashar Maniya who was killed in clashes with security forces in Fakai”
The regrouping comes as Sokoto reels from fresh bandit attacks in communities of Shagari Local Government Area where thousands of residents have fled their homes after recent raids marked by killing, kidnapping and looting.
“The spread of attacks into Shagari shows that the crisis is widening beyond Sokoto East, if Turji’s gang consolidates in Kuka Tara, it will only intensify the displacement of rural populations.”
For years Turji has been one of Nigeria’s bandit leaders, blamed for mass kidnappings, extortion, and massacres across the northwest. Despite multiple military offensives, his group has repeatedly regrouped, exploiting forest corridors to evade security crackdowns.
Altine warned that if the gang entrenched itself in Kuka Tara forest and adjoining forests stretching from Gundumi to Dustin Gwabro, the zone could become a major sanctuary for bandits. “This would threaten the fragile peace of Raba, Shinkafi, Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo and Wurno LGAs” he said.
He urged authorities to treat the intelligence with urgency and mount decisive operations. “Failure to act now will endanger lives and property on a massive scale. The people of Sokoto deserve protection and peace,” he cautioned.
