Wanted bandit leader Bello Turji imposes ₦25 Million levy on Sokoto villages

A Sokoto State lawmaker, Aminu Boza, has accused notorious bandit leader Bello Turji of imposing a ₦25 million levy per village in parts of the state’s eastern region.

Boza, who represents Sabon Birnin Gobir in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, made this revelation while speaking to journalists on Tuesday. He warned that Turji has resurfaced in the Isa and Sabon Birni areas, demanding huge levies from local communities.

“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.

His statement comes amid reports that Turji, after months of being in hiding, is now active in the region again.

The lawmaker called on security agencies and local authorities to take immediate action to combat the growing insecurity and protect residents from further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, recently disclosed that Turji has expressed willingness to surrender, following intensified military operations that have weakened his network.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, General Musa revealed that Turji has lost his second-in-command and several top lieutenants, leaving him with limited options.

“He is now forced to release most of the people under him. Recently, he has begun to say he doesn’t want anything; he is ready to surrender,” General Musa said.

However, the Defence Chief emphasized that surrendering would not absolve Turji of his crimes, stating that all those responsible for killings and kidnappings must face justice.

Bello Turji remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists, notorious for orchestrating violent attacks, mass kidnappings, and killings across the Northwest region.

More updates to follow.