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Troops Storm Turji’s Stronghold, Kill Scores of Bandits in Fierce Battle

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 24th, 2026.

Nigerian Army troops have dealt a significant blow to banditry operations in the North-West, neutralising several fighters linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji during a coordinated assault on his hideouts.

The operation, carried out by the 8 Division Strike Force in the early hours of March 20, targeted camps located deep within the Kagara Forest, spanning parts of Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States. According to security sources, the mission formed part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle armed groups terrorising communities in the region. Reports of the operation were also echoed by outlets such as The Punch and Daily Trust, which have closely tracked military campaigns against banditry.

A military source disclosed that the troops encountered a temporary setback when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical issues near Maberaya village, forcing a brief halt in their advance. During this pause, armed bandits launched an ambush from elevated positions within the forest.

Despite the surprise attack, the troops reportedly regrouped quickly and responded with heavy firepower, overpowering the assailants and inflicting significant casualties. “The soldiers engaged the attackers decisively and eliminated several of them,” the source said.

The confrontation, however, was not without casualties on the military side. Three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the exchange and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.

Meanwhile, authorities have dismissed circulating reports claiming that over 150 bandits died in a boat accident in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State. The claim was described as false by both security officials and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

The NIWA Area Manager in Sokoto, Bello Bala, clarified that the river in question is currently not navigable, making such an incident unlikely. This position aligns with clarifications reported by The Guardian Nigeria, which cautioned against the spread of unverified information on security matters.

Military operations in the North-West have intensified in recent months, with authorities reiterating their commitment to restoring peace in affected communities and dismantling criminal networks operating across forested regions.