Bandit Leader Bello Turji Claims To Target Cattle Theives In New Video

A new video allegedly featuring Nigerian bandit leader Bello Turji has surfaced online, drawing renewed attention to ongoing insecurity in parts of Sokoto State.

In the footage, which reportedly emerged on June 20, 2026, the fugitive commander is seen surrounded by armed men believed to be some of his key associates, including Sani-Dona, Dankane, Yellow, and Abdullah.

The group appears heavily armed, with weapons reportedly including assault rifles, rocket-propelled launchers, and an anti-aircraft gun.

In the video, Turji allegedly accuses cattle thieves of carrying out violent attacks and killing civilians in communities such as Sabon Birni, Isa, and other nearby areas.

He claims his group is actively confronting those responsible, positioning himself as a force acting against criminal elements in the region.

The emergence of the footage comes shortly after reports of a deadly incident involving a military patrol in Sokoto State, where an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly detonated near Bargaja, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.

Read also:

Although some online security analysts have speculated about a possible connection between the video and the attack, there is currently no official confirmation linking Turji or his network to the incident.

Turji has long been identified by security agencies as a key figure in the banditry crisis ravaging states in the North West geo-political zone.

Security agencies have linked him to multiple criminal activities, including kidnappings, armed raids, and attacks on rural communities.

Military operations and intelligence-led clearance efforts continue across Sokoto State and neighboring states, as security forces attempt to dismantle armed groups operating in the region.