Nigerian Army troops have neutralised dozens of armed bandits in a major offensive targeting the notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji’s camp in the Kagara Forest area spanning Fakai community in Shinkafi (Zamfara State) and Isa Local Government Area (Sokoto State).
The operation, conducted by the 8 Division Strike Force based in Sokoto, commenced in the early hours of Thursday, March 20, 2026. A military source who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, March 23, 2026, on condition of anonymity confirmed the success of the raid.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
According to the source, the troops were advancing when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, forcing a temporary halt. At that moment, heavily armed bandits from Turji’s camp launched a fierce ambush using high ground and dense forest cover.
“The troops responded with superior firepower, engaging the bandits and eliminating several of them in the encounter,” the source said.
Three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the firefight and were promptly evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment. Their conditions are stable.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
The source dismissed as false a viral report claiming over 150 bandits drowned after a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida River area of Sokoto State.
“The news circulating that over 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area is fake,” the source stated.
The claim was also refuted by Mr Bello Bala, Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Sokoto, who confirmed that the River Sabon Gida area is currently not navigable.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
Bello Turji remains one of the most wanted bandit leaders in the North-West, linked to numerous kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on communities and security forces in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states. The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to degrade his network and restore safety in the region.
The Nigerian Army has not released an official casualty figure for the bandits neutralised or further operational details, citing ongoing clearance and intelligence activities.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Akin Onifade
Send tips to: info@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 09017735107
©️ 2026 DDNewsOnline