Residents of Zamfara and Sokoto states are living in fear after a notorious bandit leader, Turji, issued a chilling threat to destroy communities in both states.
His recent warning has sent waves of anxiety throughout the regions, as Turji, known for his violent attacks and extortion tactics, vowed to intensify his operations.
The Notorious bandit leader made the threat to destroy the communities if his associate, Baka Burgi, arrested by the military, is not released before December 31.
Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, an APC chieftain in Zamfara, expressed this sentiment while addressing journalists at his residence in Gusau on Sunday night.
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“Many villages have already been deserted, turning into ghost towns because of Turji’s threats.
“In his video, Turji explicitly stated that he will destroy villages in Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Isa Local Government Areas.
“He vows to drive people from their ancestral homes and continue kidnapping and killing if Wurgi is not released by the end of December. Security personnel must not stand idle while he prepares to carry out these atrocities,” Shinkafi warned.
Shinkafi urged urgent intervention from the government of Zamfara and Sokoto states as well as the federal government, emphasising the need for proactive measures to prevent looming attacks.
Shinkafi condemned Turji’s ultimatum, calling it a blatant insult to the Nigerian military and security forces.
He urged swift action against Turji before he executes his threats, which could devastate innocent communities.
“The video clip Turji released last Wednesday is a serious slap in the face of our security personnel. The authorities must act immediately to protect their reputation and safeguard the people,” Shinkafi said.
He added, “It is very unfortunate that an armed bandit can threaten local communities without consequence. His accomplice, Baka Wurgi, was taken from his hospital bed in Shinkafi by the military, and now Turji is warning that unless Wurgi is freed, entire communities will be destroyed. This cannot continue.”
Recall that the Nigerian Army apprehended top bandit leader Bako Wurgi (alias Baka Na Garba) on December 14. Wurgi is suspected of involvement in the killing of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.
The operation, executed around 10 pm, followed intelligence that Wurgi was receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival bandit group at a hospital in Shinkafi, Zamfara State.
In response, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji demanded Wurgi’s immediate release, threatening to unleash attacks on communities across Zamfara and Sokoto states if his demand was not met by the year’s end.
Notorious terrorism kingpin Bello Turji has said suspects recently arrested by the Nigerian military are not bandits and has threatened the residents of the surrounding communities over the arrests.
Mr Turji, in a video released on Christmas Day, said that those arrested were ‘innocent’ elderly people in his ancestral community.
“Our brothers whom you arrested were picked up at the markets and others in the hospital. We never fought any battle with you. If you actually want to fight us, not our parents, you know where we are. Come, let us fight.
“We are calling on the residents of Shinkafi, Isa, Zurmi, and its environs in this coming year, 2025 if you don’t address those informants responsible for the killing of our brothers, you will face the consequences. You know we are killers, we know how to kill. You people see us as uncivilised; we also see you as such.
“Any town that fails to obey our directives, we are going to turn it into rubble,” Mr Turji said, pointing at some dilapidated buildings close to him.
Meanwhile troops of Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have apprehended a 25-year-old suspected female ammunition courier, Shamsiyya (surname withheld), the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.
This was contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Sunday by the Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre of the operation, Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi.
According to the statement, Ahadu was arrested on December 28 alongside her accomplice, a motorcyclist, Ahmed (surname withheld) in Badarawa area of Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.
She was found in possession of 764 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six magazines meant to be delivered to terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji’s camp.
