Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has resurfaced in a newly circulated video, dismissing widespread rumours of his death and claiming responsibility for recent attacks on security personnel in Nigeria's North-West region.

The video emerged amid persistent speculation regarding Turji's whereabouts and reports suggesting that he may have been killed during ongoing military operations targeting criminal groups in Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states. However, his latest appearance appears aimed at countering those claims and reaffirming his influence among armed groups operating in the region.

In the footage, Turji is seen addressing his followers while boasting about alleged successes against security forces. He claimed that his fighters had killed several soldiers during recent confrontations and recovered livestock seized during military operations. He further described the attacks as a "victory" for his group.

The development follows reports of an attack in Sokoto State in which soldiers were reportedly killed and others injured after terrorists targeted military personnel in the Isa Local Government Area.

Turji remains one of Nigeria's most wanted bandit leaders, having been linked to numerous cases of killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling across parts of the North-West. Despite sustained military offensives that have eliminated several of his close associates and destroyed some of his hideouts, security authorities have maintained that efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.

As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian military authorities had not issued an official response to the latest video, but previous statements from the Defence Headquarters have insisted that troops remain on the trail of the notorious bandit kingpin.