Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised numerous armed bandits in the hideouts of notorious kingpin Bello Turji, according to security sources.
The operation targeted Turji’s camps located in Fakai community in Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Sokoto States.
A military source who spoke on said the mission, conducted by the 8 Division Strike Force, Sokoto, began in the early hours of March 20 and focused on Turji’s stronghold deep within Kagara Forest.
The source disclosed that during the advance, two combat support vehicles broke down near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, temporarily slowing troop movement.
It was at this point that bandits launched an ambush, taking advantage of forest cover and high ground.
“The troops responded swiftly with superior firepower, neutralising several bandits,” the source said. Three soldiers and a member of the Department of State Services (DSS) were wounded and evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital, Sokoto, for treatment.
Addressing recent reports that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in Sabon Gida, the source dismissed the claims as false. National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Sokoto Area Manager, Bello Bala, confirmed that the river is currently not navigable, calling the story “fake news.”
The military has vowed to continue its operations against banditry in the region, aiming to dismantle Turji’s network and restore security to affected communities.Nigerian
