Terror kingpin Bello Turji resurfaces in Sokoto, imposes ₦25 million levy on villages

Bello Turji, the notorious terror leader in northwestern Nigeria, has resurfaced in Sokoto State, imposing a hefty ₦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 Sabon Birnin Gobir constituency, raised the alarm on Tuesday, revealing that Turji has established a presence in the Isa and Sabon Birni areas.

Read also: CDS says Bello Turji’s deputies killed, troops closing in on bandit kingpin

Speaking to journalists, Boza urged security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further devastation in the region.

“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.

Read also: Troops destroy Bello Turji, Mallam Ila camps, kill 25 Terrorists in Zamfara

Turji’s reappearance comes after months of lying low, despite intensified military operations targeting his network.

His return has reignited fears among residents, who have long suffered from the activities of armed bandits in Sokoto and neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who said that Turji has expressed a willingness to surrender.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musa revealed 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 surrender 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.

Read also: Zamfara bandit kingpin Bello Turji ready to surrender, says CDS

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to justice and lasting peace in the region.

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 now living in fear of further extortion and violence.

Security experts are calling for urgent, coordinated efforts to neutralize Turji’s network and protect vulnerable communities as the region continues to grapple with the ongoing banditry crisis.