Notorious Bandit Leader Jiya Turji Allegedly Received ₦6 Million Ransom from Sardauna Village
A shocking report has emerged of notorious bandit leader Jiya Turji receiving a ₦6 million ransom payment from residents of Sardauna village in Sokoto State’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The revelation was made by counterterrorism and insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his social media handle, citing intelligence sources.
According to Makama, the ransom was paid to secure the release of five community members who were abducted by Turji’s gang during a previous attack. The bandits initially demanded a higher sum, but eventually settled for the ₦6 million.
The five abductees were reportedly freed after the payment was made, but the incident has heightened fears among residents of Sabon Birni over the recurring attacks by Turji’s gang.
Local leaders have repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb banditry in the region, which has seen a significant rise in kidnappings, extortion, and violent attacks.
As of press time, neither the Sokoto State Government nor security agencies have commented on the ransom payment. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
