During an operation aimed at the camp of infamous bandit boss Bello Turji in portions of the states of Zamfara and Sokoto, Nigerian Army troops neutralized a number of armed bandits.
As part of continuous military offensives against banditry in the area, the operation was conducted in the Fakai village, which spans Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas.
According to a security source who spoke to Vanguard under condition of anonymity, the mission started early on March 20 and was headed by the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Strike Force in Sokoto.
Turji’s camp is situated in Kagara Forest, where the forces are said to have advanced.
According to the source, two combat support vehicles near Maberaya village in Sokoto State’s Isa Local Government Area experienced mechanical issues, causing a brief setback for the troops.
Armed bandits exploited the terrain to conduct an ambush during the pause.
According to the source, “the troops quickly reacted with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and eliminating several of them in the encounter.”
He further stated that one Department of State Services employee and three soldiers were hurt in the battle and were transported to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for medical attention.
Additionally, the source refuted rumors that roughly 150 bandits perished in a boat accident in Sokoto State’s Sabon Gida region.
“The rumor that more than 150 bandits perished in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area is untrue,” he declared.
In a same vein, Bello Bala, the Sokoto Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, affirmed that the allegation was untrue.
He further refuted reports of any boat accident in the area by pointing out that the River Sabon Gida area is presently impassable.
