Notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji has reappeared in Sokoto State, imposing a ₦25 million levy on villages in the eastern part of the state, according to Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
Boza, who represents the Sabon Birnin Gobir constituency, raised the alarm on Tuesday, revealing that Turji has established a presence in the Isa and Sabon Birni areas. Speaking to journalists, he urged security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further devastation.
“Bello Turji is currently in the Isa and Sabon Birni axis of Sokoto. He has even imposed a ₦25 million levy per village in some communities,” Boza stated.
Turji’s reappearance follows months of lying low despite intensified military operations targeting his network. His return has reignited fears among residents who have long suffered from armed bandit attacks in Sokoto and neighboring states.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa disclosed that Turji has expressed a willingness to surrender. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa stated that sustained military offensives had significantly weakened Turji’s stronghold, leading to the death of his second-in-command and several top lieutenants.
“He is now forced to release most of the people under him. Recently, he has begun to say he doesn’t want anything; he is ready to surrender,” Musa said.
However, Musa made it clear that surrendering would not absolve Turji of his crimes.
“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay,” he asserted.
Bello Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted terror leaders, infamous for orchestrating numerous attacks, mass kidnappings, and killings across the northwest.
His latest actions have heightened tensions in Sokoto, with local communities living in fear of further extortion and violence. Security experts are calling for urgent, coordinated efforts to dismantle Turji’s network and protect vulnerable communities as the region continues to grapple with the ongoing banditry crisis.
