By Jemilu Hassan
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Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly established a new base in the Indaduwa Forest, approximately three kilometers northwest of the village of Bula, near the boundaries of Gundumi, Galadi, Maradun, and Raba in Sokoto State. This development was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert in the Lake Chad Basin, in a post on his X handle on Sunday.
Turji’s new base has been linked to recent attacks in the region, including the blockade of the Isa-Marnona road and an ambush targeting security personnel on the Gundumi-Isa Road on December 21. The base, reportedly formed three weeks ago, has also been associated with kidnappings and other criminal activities targeting travelers and residents.
Makama stated that more than 40 individuals are currently believed to be held captive by Turji’s group in the Indaduwa Forest. Ransom payments are allegedly facilitated through informants stationed in Marnona and Gidan Rana near the Gundumi-Isa Road. Survivors recently freed from captivity reportedly confirmed the gang’s operations in the area.
The reasons behind Turji’s establishment of the new base are attributed to conflicts with rival bandits and unresolved feuds. Specifically, Turji has an ongoing rivalry with the Maniya group, stemming from a longstanding feud inherited from his father, Rugga Chida. This feud led to a violent clash years ago, resulting in the death of Kachalla Dullun, a prominent Maniya figure.
Turji reportedly views the new base as a strategic position to undermine the Maniya group’s operations in the Dutsin Gwauro area, which serves as their headquarters. The establishment of this new base has significant implications for the security situation in the region, and efforts are likely to be made to counter Turji’s activities.
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