Security forces have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Nigeria’s Northwestern region with the arrest of a suspected arms supplier linked to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
According to intelligence sources, the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, was apprehended in a covert operation conducted by security agencies. He is believed to have been responsible for procuring and distributing weapons used in several deadly attacks carried out by Turji’s gang in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
Bello Turji, one of the most feared bandits in Nigeria, has been implicated in numerous kidnappings, killings, and attacks on villages. His group has been on the radar of security agencies for years, with multiple operations launched to capture him and dismantle his network.
Authorities revealed that the arrested suspect had facilitated arms transactions between criminal groups across Nigeria’s porous borders, enabling the continued violence plaguing communities in the region. The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation, and security agencies are working to identify other members of the supply network.
The government has reiterated its commitment to intensifying counter-banditry efforts, with a renewed focus on cutting off access to arms and financial resources for terrorist and criminal groups operating within the country.
This latest arrest is expected to boost ongoing security operations and weaken the operational capacity of the bandits.