By Erewunmi Peace

Troops of the Nigerian military have launched a major offensive against hideouts linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, killing scores of armed fighters in the North-West region.

The operation, carried out by troops of the 8 Division Strike Force, targeted bandit camps in parts of Zamfara and Sokoto states, including areas around Shinkafi and Isa local government areas.

According to security sources, the troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle after advancing into the forest enclaves believed to be strongholds of Turji’s network.

During the encounter, several bandits were neutralised, while others fled with injuries as the military intensified its assault on the camps.

Reports indicate that the troops were ambushed at some point during the operation but successfully repelled the attack with superior firepower.

Some soldiers were said to have sustained injuries, although no fatalities among military personnel have been officially confirmed.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces to dismantle bandit groups and restore security in the North-West, where communities have faced persistent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

While the military confirmed significant losses on the side of the bandits, there has been no official confirmation that Bello Turji himself was killed or captured during the raid.

Security experts say the latest strike could weaken the operational capacity of the group, even as authorities continue to track its leadership.

The military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.