Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed dozens of armed bandits during an operation targeting a camp linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji in the North-West.
The raid took place in forest hideouts spanning Fakai community in Shinkafi and Isa local government areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
A military source said the operation, led by the 8 Division Strike Force in Sokoto, began in the early hours of 20 March. Troops advanced into the Kagara Forest, a known base for bandit groups.
The source said the operation faced a setback when two combat support vehicles broke down near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, forcing a pause in movement.
At that point, heavily armed fighters linked to Turji launched an ambush from elevated and forested positions.
Troops responded with sustained gunfire and pushed back the attackers. Several bandits were killed in the exchange, the source said.
Three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) were injured. They were taken to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
The army has continued its operations in the area as part of efforts to curb bandit attacks across the region.
Meanwhile, officials have dismissed reports that more than 150 bandits died in a boat accident in Sokoto.
A security source described the claim as false, while the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Sokoto said the river area mentioned in the report is not navigable.
Authorities say operations against armed groups will continue in affected communities.
