Troops Launch Powerful Assault on Bello Turji’s Hideouts, Taking Down Notorious Bandits
Members of the Nigerian Army have incapacitated numerous armed marauders in the camp of infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The News Agency of Nigeria informs that the hideaways are situated in the Fakai community within Shinkafi and Isa local government regions of Zamfara and Sokoto states, respectively.
A confidential source within the Nigerian Army revealed to NAN on Monday that this accomplishment occurred during an intense firefight as part of the regular operation against banditry in the vicinity.
As per security sources, the mission, spearheaded by the 8 Division Strike Force of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, began in the early morning hours on March 20, aiming at Turji’s encampment deep within Kagara Forest.
The source indicated that during the advancing operation, two combat support vehicles experienced mechanical issues near Maberaya village in the Isa local government area of Sokoto State, causing a momentary pause in the troops’ progress.
The source mentioned that it was at that point that heavily armed bandits from Turji’s camp initiated an ambush, utilizing elevated terrain and wooded areas for concealment.
“Nevertheless, the troops promptly countered with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and taking down several of them during the confrontation.
“Three soldiers and one officer from the Department of State Services, DSS, incurred injuries during the clash and were immediately transported to the 8 Division Military Hospital Sokoto for medical care,” the source added.
In a related context, the source dismissed the claim that 150 bandits perished in a boat accident and drowned in a river in Sokoto as untrue.
“The information circulating that more than 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area is a fabricated report,” the source stated.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr Bello Bala, also validated that the report was untrue, adding that the River Sabon Gida area is presently not navigable.
