Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State following the killing of one of his men during a military operation in the area.
According to locals, the levy is also meant to compensate for firearms that went missing during the operation.
Aminu Boza, a lawmaker representing Sabon Birni West in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, told journalists that one of the affected villages is Garin Idi, the hometown of Deputy Governor Idris Gobir.
Boza also revealed that Turji has moved his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and is going around to supervise them,” Boza stated. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation, and he reduced the money from N25 million to N22 million.”
The lawmaker criticised the military for not maintaining a sustained presence in the area, leaving villages vulnerable to attacks whenever troops withdraw.
“I have always criticised the military for not sustaining their operation in the eastern part of Sokoto because anytime they withdraw, it is the villages that bear the brunt,” he said.
Despite multiple assurances from the Ministry of Defence—whose officials have visited Sokoto several times—Boza lamented that banditry remains a significant threat. He highlighted a recent attack in which six members of the Sokoto Community Guards were killed.
Boza also revealed that Turji is demanding N250,000 from the family of each of the 13 worshippers abducted in Sabon Birni LGA about two weeks ago. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.
The lawmaker urged the military to intensify and sustain their operations in the eastern part of Sokoto, emphasising that consistent military action is crucial to restoring peace and protecting vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, Hamza Samaila Surudubu, a suspected gunrunner and arms carrier supplying weapons to terrorists operating in the North-West Nigeria including notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, has been arrested.
Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on security matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd), confirmed the arrest of the arms supplier.
Confirming the arrest, Usman said, “A 35-year-old suspected ammunition courier identified as Hamza Samaila Surudubu has been apprehended by Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, (SSCGC), Isa Division.
“The suspect was arrested today 20/02/2025 along Shinkafi Road. The suspect was arrested by SSCGC Isa Division and Civilian JTF.
“Preliminary investigation have indicated that Hamza Samaila was enroute to deliver arms and ammunition to Turji, Boka and Halilu Buzu.
“The case was transferred to security agencies for further investigation,” the statement said.
