By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a significant blow to armed bandit groups in the North-West, neutralising several fighters during a fierce gun battle with elements linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State.
Security sources said the operation, carried out on March 20, 2026, was executed by the 8 Division Strike Force as part of sustained military efforts to dismantle entrenched criminal networks operating across the region.
The early morning offensive, which began around 6:00 a.m., targeted a suspected hideout of Turji’s faction deep inside the Kagara Forest axis in Fakai, within Shinkafi Local Government Area. The area has long been identified as a strategic enclave for bandit activities due to its dense terrain and proximity to multiple state boundaries.
However, the operation encountered an unexpected setback when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing troops to temporarily halt their advance.
Seizing the opportunity, armed bandits launched an ambush from elevated positions, leveraging the surrounding forest cover to mount a coordinated attack on the stalled troops.
Despite the surprise assault, soldiers responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a prolonged exchange that led to the neutralisation of several bandits, effectively repelling the ambush.
In the course of the encounter, three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services sustained injuries. They were promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Reinforcements from Forward Operating Bases in Isa and Shinkafi were swiftly mobilised, enabling troops to regain momentum, consolidate their positions, and secure the operational area.
Military sources described the raid as part of a broader, coordinated campaign aimed at degrading bandit capabilities, restricting their movement, and restoring normalcy to communities across the North-West.
The latest success underscores ongoing efforts by security forces to intensify pressure on criminal elements and reclaim territories previously under the influence of armed groups.
