Security Operatives Arrest Suspected Bello Turji’s Arms Supplier

Hamza Samaila Surudubu, a suspected gunrunner and arms carrier supplying weapons to terrorists operating in the North-West Nigeria including notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, has been arrested.

Special Adviser to Sokoto State Governor on security matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd), confirmed the arrest of the arms supplier.

Confirming the arrest, Usman said, “A 35-year-old suspected ammunition courier identified as Hamza Samaila Surudubu has been apprehended by Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, (SSCGC), Isa Division.

“The suspect was arrested today 20/02/2025 along Shinkafi Road. The suspect was arrested by SSCGC Isa Division and Civilian JTF.

“Preliminary investigation have indicated that Hamza Samaila was enroute to deliver arms and ammunition to Turji, Boka and Halilu Buzu.

“The case was transferred to security agencies for further investigation,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, a Sokoto State Lawmaker, Honourable Aminu Almustapha Boza, has confirmed the presence of Bandits kingpin, Bello Turji, in one of the forests in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Lawmaker, who represents Sabon Birni local government in the state House of Assembly, while speaking with our correspondent on telephone, confirmed that Turji has been collecting tax from the people in the area.

According to him, “the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has been sighted in eastern Sokoto, where he has reportedly imposed a ₦25 million levy on villages.

“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 claimed.

The lawmaker urged security agencies and local authorities to intensify operations against bandits.