Troops of the Nigerian Army launched a major operation against bandits in Fakai community in Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states, killing several members of Turji’s gang. The operation, led by the 8 Division Strike Force Sokoto, targeted Turji’s camp deep inside Kagara Forest in the early hours of March 20.
A source in the Army said the mission faced resistance when two combat support vehicles broke down near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, prompting a temporary halt. He explained that heavily armed bandits attempted an ambush from forested areas and high ground, but the troops responded with superior firepower, eliminating multiple assailants. Three soldiers and one Department of State Services (DSS) personnel sustained injuries and were evacuated for treatment at the 8 Division Military Hospital, Sokoto.
The Army source also dismissed reports that 150 bandits had drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area, confirming that the claim was false and the river is currently not navigable. Bello Bala, Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, corroborated that no such incident occurred.
In related operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno and Adamawa states uncovered a suspected terrorist burial ground in Abadam LGA, Borno, containing eight bodies, and discovered improvised medical and weapon storage facilities. An air interdiction at Chikide neutralised several ISWAP/JAS fighters, while others fled the scene, highlighting ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in the North-East.
Additionally, the 231 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with local hunters, apprehended two high-profile terrorist collaborators at Miringa Market in Biu LGA, Borno, who were reportedly coordinating sleeper cells and stockpiling arms. In Hong LGA, Adamawa, an explosion caused by a livestock-triggered improvised explosive device caused no casualties, according to military reports, as operations continue to restore security and deny terrorists freedom of action.