The leader of Rundunar Adalchi in Sokoto State, Bashir Altine Guyawa Isa, has raised concerns over what he described as an emerging security threat in the North-West, alleging that notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons and is collaborating with Boko Haram to train and equip new fighters.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Monday, Isa claimed that the wanted terrorist leader has intensified efforts to strengthen his operational capacity through alliances with extremist groups operating in the region.
According to him, intelligence available to local security volunteers indicates that Turji and his associates have established a training camp near the Sokoto-Zamfara border, where recruits are allegedly being trained and armed for future operations.
Isa alleged that the camp has existed for some time and serves as a strategic base for the recruitment, indoctrination and training of fighters who are later deployed to carry out attacks across communities in the North-West.
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He further claimed that Boko Haram members have been providing training and logistical support to the fighters, increasing the sophistication of criminal networks operating in the region.
The vigilante leader expressed concern that the continued existence of the camp poses a serious threat to public safety and could undermine ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in affected communities.
He also alleged that relevant authorities are aware of the facility's existence and stressed the need for decisive action to dismantle it before the situation escalates further.
According to Isa, intelligence gathered by local security groups suggests that the terrorists may be planning to expand their operations beyond rural communities and begin targeting high-profile installations and prominent individuals.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could embolden the terrorists and expose more communities to attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes that have plagued parts of Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states in recent years.
While calling for enhanced military operations and intelligence-driven interventions, Isa urged security agencies and government authorities to treat the reported developments with urgency to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the region.
The allegations made by Isa during the interview have not been independently verified, and security authorities have yet to publicly comment on the claims.
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