Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized several armed bandits in the camps of notorious kingpin Bello Turji, security sources confirmed.

The operations targeted hideouts in Fakai community in Shinkafi and Isa local government areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states, respectively, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

An anonymous source within the Army told NAN that the success came during a fierce gun battle as part of routine operations against banditry in the region.

The mission, led by the 8 Division Strike Force of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, began in the early hours of March 20, focusing on Turji’s camp deep in Kagara Forest.

During the advance, two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, temporarily halting troop movement.

It was at this point that heavily armed bandits launched an ambush from elevated positions and forest cover. The troops responded swiftly, engaging the bandits and eliminating several in the encounter.

Three soldiers and one personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.

The source dismissed reports claiming that 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area as false.

Bello Bala, Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Sokoto, confirmed that the Sabon Gida River is currently not navigable, reinforcing that the report was fake.

The operation underscores ongoing military efforts to dismantle bandit networks and restore security in Zamfara and Sokoto states.