Asserting that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, has levied a ₦25 million tax on villages in the Isa and Sabon Birni regions, Sokoto State lawmaker Aminu Boza has expressed concern over his actions.
Boza revealed this in a phone interview with The Punch on Friday, warning that Turji’s power in the area is only going to increase. Boza is the state House of Assembly representative for Sabon Birni Local Government.
At now, Bello Turji is in the Sokoto axis of Isa and Sabon Birni. According to Boza, he has even levied a ₦25 million tax on each community in certain areas.
He urged security forces to act immediately to stop the criminals’ operations and bring peace back to the impacted areas.
Major Arrest of an Arms Trafficker in Sokoto
Additionally, local security personnel have successfully detained a suspected arms dealer who is suspected of providing firearms to terrorist organizations in Sokoto.
In a text message to reporters on Friday morning, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, confirmed the detention.
“The Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (SSCGC), Isa Division, has arrested Hamza Samaila Surudubu, a 35-year-old suspected ammunition courier,” he said in his statement.
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Along Shinkafi Road, the suspect was taken into custody today, February 20, 2025. JTF Civilian and SSCGC Isa Division detained the suspect.
“An initial inquiry has revealed that Hamza Samaila was on his way to transfer ammunition and weapons to Halilu Buzu, Boka, and Turji.
“Security agencies were tasked with reviewing the case further.”
Authorities have promised locals that in order to reduce criminal activity in the area, ongoing security measures will be stepped up.
