Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised dozens of armed bandits in an operation targeting hideouts linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, in parts of Zamfara and Sokoto States.
The operation, conducted by the 8 Division Strike Force, was carried out in Fakai community spanning Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas.
A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Monday that the troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle during a routine offensive against criminal elements in the region.
According to the source, the operation commenced in the early hours of March 20, with troops advancing towards Turji’s camp located deep within the Kagara Forest.
The source disclosed that the troops’ movement was briefly stalled after two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He added that the situation created an opening for the bandits, who launched an ambush from elevated positions within the forest.
“However, the troops responded swiftly with superior firepower, overpowering the attackers and neutralising several of them,” the source said.
He further revealed that three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the encounter and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
Meanwhile, the source dismissed reports claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State, describing the information as false.
“The report alleging that over 150 bandits died in a boat accident is fake and should be disregarded,” the source said.NAN
