The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor.
According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons.
Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area.
“Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces,” Altine said.
Altine further alleged that preliminary intelligence points to the arrival of a fresh consignment of weapons and the presence of newly recruited fighters believed to have links with insurgent groups.
“There are indications that some of the new arrivals possess advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise. Their mission, according to sources, is to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters operating within the border communities of Sokoto and Zamfara states,” Altine stated.
The Nigerian Army’s confirmation of these reports comes amid ongoing military operations against bandit networks in the northwest, including several recent strikes that have killed key Turji lieutenants and disrupted his operations.
In May 2026, troops of the 17 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YANMA arrested a suspected gunrunner linked to supplying military-grade weapons to Bello Turji and Ado Aliero, among other criminal kingpins.
Previously, the military has also killed top commanders allied with Turji, including Alhaji Shaudo Alku in May 2025 and Kachalla Kallamu in December 2025, in operations that recovered significant caches of arms.
Despite the confirmation of the training camp, security authorities have not issued a detailed official statement on planned operations against the group, and the situation in the border communities remains tense.
About the author
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
Army confirms intel on Turji weapons training in Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor. According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons. Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. "Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces," Altine said. Altine further […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]
Ghana actor Van Vicker earns first class law degree from Wisconsin University
Award-winning Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Joseph Van Vicker has earned a first class Bachelor of Laws degree from Wisconsin International University College in Ghana. Sharing the achievement on Instagram on June 19, 2026, Van Vicker reflected on the significance of graduating with first class honours. He noted that academic success alone does not guarantee professional excellence in the legal field. Van Vicker is a celebrated figure in African cinema and television. He previously earned a first class degree from the African University College of Communication for his undergraduate studies. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Education, Winneba. The actor enrolled at Wisconsin International University College to study the Bachelor of Laws program after completing his first degree. He has been active in the entertainment industry for many years, producing films and television […]
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho signs with Serie C club Ravenna at age 46
Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho has signed with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC at the age of 46, marking a surprising return to the sport more than a decade after his last professional appearance. Ronaldinho, who previously played for AC Milan and Barcelona, will be officially unveiled at a major event in Miami on June 23, 2026. According to multiple reports, the former Brazil national team star will join the Romagna-based club for the 2026-27 Serie C season. However, there is important clarification about his role. Ravenna vice-president Ariedo Braida, who previously signed Ronaldinho at Milan in 2008, confirmed that Ronaldinho will participate in marketing events and promotional activities for the club but will not play competitive matches in Serie C. Instead, he will serve as an image ambassador and investor for Ravenna. The 46-year-old will attend the team's […]
Related
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]
APC, ADC, PDP test strength in Ekiti gov election
The All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 12 other parties are testing their strength today as Ekiti State holds its 2026 governorship election. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking re-election, facing a major challenge from PDP candidate Wole Oluyede and ADC flagbearer Dare Bejide, as the three parties battle for over one million registered votes across 16 local government areas. Analysts see the poll as a key test of APC’s grip on Ekiti and of the opposition’s ability to rally discontented voters ahead of future contests in the South-West, with the ADC also looking to prove it is more than a “noisemaker” after being tipped for its first real electoral test in Osun and Ekiti. Party leaders from APC, ADC and PDP have expressed confidence about victory, with all three […]
Troops crush kidnap plot in Sokoto, rescue 22 victims
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully rescued 22 kidnapped victims and foiled separate abduction attempts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State. Among those rescued were 17 kidnapped passengers who were successfully extricated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action. The gallant troops stormed the kidnappers’ hideout after receiving credible intelligence, tracked the criminals, and engaged them in firefight to extricate the abductees. The operation demonstrated the Nigerian security forces’ commitment to securing the North-West region and dismantling criminal kidnapping networks that have plagued states like Sokoto. Security forces in the area worked in synergy to crush the kidnap plot, intercepting the criminals and disrupting their plans to move the victims to unsafe locations. The rescued victims were subsequently released to their families and […]
Oyo abduction: Inside terrorists’ plot to stall rescue
Boko Haram terrorists trapped in the Oyo National Park are using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines and diversionary attacks to stall rescue efforts for abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Security sources said the insurgents, believed to be a faction of Boko Haram (JAS) displaced from the North-East, have heavily mined the forest routes and laid booby traps to slow down or repel ground troops. The terrorists are also reportedly using some of the kidnapped children as human shields, making any forceful rescue operation extremely risky and raising fears of mass casualties if troops attempt a direct assault. The Department of State Services (DSS), through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has taken over communication with the abductors after the terrorists insisted on speaking only with the governor, the police commissioner or a top government official. So […]
Be the first to leave a comment