Sokoto, Nigeria – Notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, has resurfaced in Sokoto State, imposing a hefty ₦25 million levy on villages in the eastern part of the state, according to a state lawmaker.
Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birnin Gobir, raised the alarm while speaking to journalists on Tuesday.
Boza disclosed that Turji, who had gone into hiding for months, has now established a stronghold in the Isa and Sabon Birni areas of Sokoto.
“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.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and local authorities to act swiftly to curb the escalating banditry in the region.
Turji’s Return Amid Military Pressure
Turji’s resurgence comes despite intensified military operations targeting his network.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, recently revealed that Turji has expressed a willingness to surrender following sustained pressure from Nigerian security forces.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, General Musa stated that the elimination of Turji’s second-in-command and several top lieutenants has significantly weakened his operations.
“He is now forced to release most of the people under him,” Musa said. “Recently, he has begun to say he doesn’t want anything; he is ready to surrender.”
However, the Defence Chief made it clear that surrendering would not absolve Turji of accountability for his crimes.
“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go. People like him should not be allowed to stay,” Musa affirmed.
One of Nigeria’s Most Wanted Terrorists
Bello Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most notorious terror leaders, responsible for orchestrating attacks, mass kidnappings, and killings across the northwest region.
His resurgence in Sokoto has heightened concerns among residents and security forces, reinforcing the urgent need for decisive action to dismantle his network and restore peace to affected communities.
