Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised scores of armed bandits in a major offensive targeting camps linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
Ikengaonline gathered that the operation focused on hideouts in Fakai community, spanning Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states.
A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed on Monday that the success was recorded during a fierce gun battle as part of ongoing operations to rid the area of banditry.
According to the source, the operation was spearheaded by the 8 Division Strike Force of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, and commenced in the early hours of March 20, targeting Turji’s camp deep within the Kagara Forest.
The source explained that during the advance, two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing a temporary halt in the troops’ movement.
“It was at that point that heavily armed bandits from Turji’s camp launched an ambush, taking advantage of the high ground and dense forest cover,” the source said.
“However, the troops swiftly regrouped and responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attack and eliminating several of the bandits.”
He added that three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the encounter and were immediately evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
Meanwhile, the source dismissed reports claiming that over 150 bandits died in a boat mishap in Sokoto, describing the account as false.
“The report alleging that 150 bandits drowned in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area is untrue,” the source said.
Corroborating this, the Sokoto Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bello Bala, also refuted the claim, noting that the River Sabon Gida is currently not navigable.
He urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
