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How Turji’s Gang Unexpectedly Came into Possession of a Stuck Military APC in Zamfara Forest

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 2nd, 2024.

How Turji’s Gang Unexpectedly Came into Possession of a Stuck Military APC in Zamfara Forest

Recent information reveals that Bello Turji’s bandits accessed a military Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Zamfara State following a tactical withdrawal by troops. An amateur video circulating on social media shows Turji and his group celebrating their acquisition of the APC and a significant amount of ammunition.

Contrary to widespread reports, local security officials have clarified that the APC was not forcibly seized by Turji’s gang. According to PRNigeria, the vehicle became stuck in a swampy area while soldiers were responding to an emergency call from a community in Zurmi local government area.

Sources indicated that the troops, having left the APC behind, returned to their base to retrieve a heavy-duty tow vehicle for extraction. They had been alerted to a reconciliation meeting between the Baleri bandit group and local residents, aimed at resolving disputes, similar to successful truces in Shinkafi.

However, upon arrival at the meeting site, the Baleri group was attacked by another faction also present. In the ensuing chaos, troops intervened, but the APC became immobilized in the marshland. The military then withdrew to secure the vehicle with a tow truck, which is why the APC was left behind, not captured by terrorists.

PR Nigeria noted that remaining with a stranded vehicle could lead to an ambush, making it prudent for the troops to retreat.

In another development, a video circulating online claiming the mass execution of over 150 kidnapped individuals in Sokoto State has been debunked as false. The footage, which depicts gunfire and deceased bodies, falsely attributes the massacre to bandits demanding a ransom and motorbikes. Investigations revealed that the video was originally from Burkina Faso, where a jihadist group linked to Al Qaeda had killed over 400 civilians. A similar video was also recently posted with misleading claims about an incident in Sudan.