Banditry: Noose tightens around Turji

The army appears to be closing in on notorious bandit commander, Bello Turji, who has been terrorising Sokoto State and its environs. This follows the killing of one his allies, Kachalla Kallamu. Daily Trust gathered that troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army killed the notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Kallamu, during a major offensive operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A reliable military source, who confirmed the development on Wednesday, said the operation was carried out in collaboration with local vigilante groups in the early hours of Monday around Kurawa village. The troops also eliminated one of the major logistics suppliers to the terror kingpin, Bello Turji, it was gathered.

Kallamu, originally from Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni, had long been a major terror figure in the eastern axis of Sokoto, contributing to years of killings, kidnappings, extortion and attacks on farming communities.

He was believed to have returned to the area recently after fleeing a military onslaught in June 2025, during which he reportedly sought refuge in Kogi State.

Who was Kachalla Kallamu?

Security expert and researcher, Prof. Murtala Ahmed Rufa’i, while speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, described the slain commander as a Tuareg — locally known as Buzu — whose parents migrated from Niger Republic to Sabon Birni in 1972, during a severe drought.

Kallamu, whose real name is Musa, was loyal to a chain of Tuareg warlords, including Kachalla Sa’idu Malam and the late Kachalla Umaru Nagona. Though widely called Kachalla, he was considered a fifth-generation bandit commander, making him junior to more established kingpins such as Turji and Sa’idu Malam.

He is believed to have controlled about 100 armed fighters, specialising in kidnapping for ransom and terrorising communities across Isa, Sabon Birni, Shinkafi, and Goronyo LGAs, with operational reach extending into parts of Zamfara and across the Niger Republic border.

His strongest base was the Dogon Zango forest, from where he coordinated attacks on communities such as Zangon Malam, Gangara, and Mai Lalle.

He was also among the commanders present during the horrific December 2021 attack in which a bus carrying women and traders was set ablaze on Turji’s orders.

Impact of his death

Prof. Rufa’i, who is the author of the book, “I am a bandit”,  stressed that the killing of Kallamu — alongside his deputy, the dreaded Halliru — has caused “serious confusion” within Turji’s network.

“This is a very good development for the Nigerian military. The bandits are currently disorganised, and this is the best time to strike at their Dogon Zango camp before they appoint another leader,” he said.

He, however, warned that while Turji may feel the impact, his broader operations may not be significantly disrupted since Kallamu was not among his top lieutenants.

Kallamu reportedly answered to Sa’idu Malam (Sa’idu Buzu), Turji’s second-in-command and  in-law.

Local communities react

Residents of Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas who have endured years of attacks, have expressed relief.

Basharu Altine Guyawa, a resident of Isa and social media activist, said Kallamu played a central role in the suffering of communities in the axis.

“He was the one killing our people, abducting them, and collecting ransom. He led almost every attack that occurred. That is why our people are celebrating his death.

“We pray that the operations continue so that the remaining terrorists troubling us are finally eliminated.” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State government has applauded troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces for repelling an attempted attack on traders in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd.) the bandits had attempted to ambush traders travelling from Tarah village to the weekly market in Sabon Birni on Monday.

Usman said the troops responded swiftly, neutralising several of the attackers and preventing what could have resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

“The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

He noted that the state government deeply appreciates the efforts and sacrifices of the security forces, urging them to sustain the momentum and intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements not only from Sokoto but across the North-West.

The government also called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely intelligence that could help forestall further attacks.

Usman issued a warning to individuals aiding criminal groups, stressing that the state would not tolerate any form of collaboration with bandits.

“We are determined to dismantle every network of bandits, collaborators, informants, and financiers threatening the peace of our citizens. Anyone aiding or abetting criminal activity will face the full weight of the law without exception,” he warned.

He reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains committed to providing all necessary support to security agencies to restore lasting peace and stability across Sokoto State.

Security analysts speak

Security analysts have commended the troops for the feat, but warned that despite the breakthrough, sustained pressure is needed to prevent the regrouping of bandit factions.

A security analyst who spoke with Daily Trust last night said the killing of an associate of the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji in Sokoto, is a strong indication that the federal government has intensified its campaign against terrorism and banditry.

The security expert, Yahuza Getso, said the development aligns with the repeated assurances given by the new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), who has consistently vowed to dismantle terrorist networks.

Getso noted that the operation demonstrates that the minister’s words are now being backed with action.

“General Musa made it very clear from the beginning that we will get them. He said it in uniform, at the Senate screening, and after he assumed office. What we are seeing now is evidence that actions are speaking louder than words,” he said.

He added that the killing of a Turji associate should serve as a direct message to the wanted warlord: “This is a warning to Bello Turji to either surrender or face the wrath of the law.”

Another security analyst, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, said the incident highlights improved intelligence coordination between security agencies and local networks in the North-West.

“This is not an isolated success. It reflects stronger intelligence fusion and more targeted operations aimed at high-value associates of major terror commanders. Weakening their support structures is a critical step toward dismantling the larger networks,” Dr. Adamu said.

He said the pressure being mounted on Turji’s camp may force splintering within the group, which could disrupt supply lines, mobility, and command structures.

According to him, the renewed tempo is also an indication that the Defence Ministry is adopting a more proactive counter-terrorism strategy. “If this momentum is sustained, we may see more breakthroughs in the coming weeks,” he said.

Bello Turji: A decade of bloodshed in Zamfara, Sokoto

For more than a decade, Bello Turji has been one of the most feared names in Nigeria’s North West. From Shinkafi in Zamfara to Sabon Birni in Sokoto, his gang has been accused of massacres, kidnappings, extortion, and the displacement of thousands.

In December 2021, Law & Society Magazine reported how Turji’s men ambushed travellers in Sokoto, blocking highways and setting vehicles ablaze. Dozens were killed in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, with survivors recounting how entire communities such as Garki and Gangara were left in ruins.

The following month, January 2022, Premium Times documented what became Turji’s most infamous atrocity: the Zamfara massacre. Villages in Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs — including Rafin Danya, Barayar Zaki, and Kurfa Danya — were attacked in coordinated assaults. Nearly 200 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed. The paper described it as “one of the deadliest bandit attacks in Nigeria’s history.”

Throughout  2022, Turji’s grip tightened.  There were reports that 5,000 residents fled Sokoto communities under his orders. Farmers across Shinkafi and Zurmi in Zamfara were forced to pay levies before planting or harvesting.

In 2023, Turji briefly entered peace talks with clerics. Premium Times reported that he released captives in Shinkafi, Zamfara, but attacks continued in Isa and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto. Analysts described the move as a tactical pause rather than genuine reconciliation.

By 2024, Turji was again making headlines.  He was quoted as threatening to make 2025 “deadly” for residents of Zamfara and Sokoto. Communities in Shinkafi and Sabon Birni reported renewed attacks.

It would be recalled that the current Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, while serving as Chief of Defence Staff, repeatedly vowed that Turji’s “days are numbered.” Speaking earlier in 2025, Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces were closing in on the bandit leader. “We will get him. His days are numbered,” Musa said. On September 11, 2024, after a meeting of security chiefs in Abuja, Musa declared: “We will get him.

His days are numbered.”

He repeated the vow on September 23, 2024, at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 38th Regular Course anniversary dinner in Kaduna. “We are tracking down Bello Turji. It is just a matter of time before we get him. He has nowhere to hide,” Musa said.

But Turji has not been arrested. Analysts express hope that the minister will make good that promise this time around.

By Abubakar Auwal, Sokoto,  Salim Umar Ibrahim, Kano & Dalhatu Liman, Abuja

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