Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a significant blow to armed bandits in the strongholds of notorious kingpin Bello Turji, military sources have confirmed.
The targeted camps are located in Fakai community in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State and Isa LGA of Sokoto State.
A military insider, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday on condition of anonymity, said the operation, conducted by the 8 Division Strike Force in Sokoto, began in the early hours of March 20 and focused on Turji’s base deep inside Kagara Forest.
The source revealed that two combat support vehicles experienced mechanical issues near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, briefly slowing the troops’ advance. Bandits took advantage of the pause to launch an ambush from the surrounding forest and high ground.
“Troops responded decisively, using superior firepower to neutralise a number of the attackers,” the source said.
Three soldiers and a Department of State Services (DSS) officer sustained injuries and were rushed to the 8 Division Military Hospital, Sokoto, for treatment.
The source also refuted recent claims that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in Sabon Gida, describing them as false.
Bello Bala, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Manager in Sokoto, confirmed that the river is currently not navigable.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Turji’s network and restoring security in the affected communities.
