By Ayoade Esther Damola
Troops have killed scores of bandits in camps linked to notorious kingpin, Bello Turji during coordinated operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
According to reports, the targeted hideouts are located in the Fakai community in Shinkafi and Isa Local Councils of Zamfara and Sokoto states, respectively.
A military source said the success was recorded during a fierce gun battle as part of ongoing operations against banditry in the North-West region.
He disclosed that the operation, led by the 8 Division Strike Force of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, began in the early hours of March 20, with troops advancing into Turji’s camp deep within the Kagara Forest.
However, during the advance operation, two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Council of Sokoto State, prompting a temporary halt to the troops’ movement.
The military source revealed that heavily armed bandits from Turji’s camp launched an ambush, using high grounds and forested areas for cover, which the troops swiftly responded to with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and eliminating several of them in the process.
“Three soldiers and one personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the skirmish and were promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital, Sokoto, for treatment,” the source added.
Meanwhile, authorities have dismissed reports claiming that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State.
“The news circulating that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area is a fake report,” the source said.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr Bello Bala, also confirmed that the report was fake, adding that the River Sabon Gida area is currently not navigable.
