A notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, and his gang have claimed a significant “victory” over the Nigerian Army after seizing and destroying two Mines Resistant Armored Personnel (MRAP) vehicles in Northwest Zamfara State. The incident unfolded during a military offensive led by the Nigerian Army’s 1st Brigade, based in Gusau, the state capital, targeting terrorists in the Kwashabawa area of Zurmi county (Local Government Area).
Reports from various Nigerian media outlets indicate that the military operation aimed to disrupt a high-level meeting of bandit leaders, including Turji and other notorious figures known for their involvement in the region’s escalating violence. However, the military’s efforts were hindered when one of their MRAP vehicles became stuck in the marshy terrain. A second MRAP, sent to assist in the rescue, also got trapped in the mud, leaving the soldiers vulnerable.
Taking advantage of the situation, Turji’s gang opened fire on the stranded soldiers, forcing them to retreat without any reported casualties. Hours after the soldiers’ withdrawal, Turji and his men, dressed in combat gear, arrived at the scene, chanting “Allahu Akbar” and firing celebratory shots into the air.
A widely circulated video shows Turji declaring, “Bello Turji has seized two trucks. Nigerian Army, Bello Turji is coming for you, Insha Allah, if you don’t allow peace to reign.” The bandits then removed essential parts, including ammunition boxes, from the vehicles before setting them on fire. Although they initially believed they had captured valuable weapons, it was later reported that the ammunition boxes were empty.
The Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about the effectiveness of their strategy in combating banditry in Zamfara State and the broader Northwest region.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
