Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed several armed bandits following a gunbattle during an offensive operation targeting the hideout of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, in Zamfara State.

The operation, carried out by the 8 Division Strike Force, began around 6:00 a.m. on March 20, with troops advancing towards Turji’s camp located deep within the Kagara Forest in Fakai area of Shinkafi Local Government Area.

Military sources disclosed that the troops encountered a setback when two combat support vehicles developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa Local Government Area of neighbouring Sokoto State, forcing a brief pause in movement.

Seizing the moment, heavily armed fighters loyal to Turji launched an ambush from elevated positions within the forest.

However, the troops responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attack and killing several of the assailants.

During the exchange, three soldiers and a personnel of the Department of State Services sustained injuries and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital for treatment.

Reinforcements from Forward Operating Bases in Isa and Shinkafi later joined the operation, helping troops secure the area and sustain pressure on the bandits.