In a shocking turn of events, notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and his gang have captured a Nigerian Army Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and a significant amount of ammunition. The incident occurred during a recent military operation aimed at disrupting a high-level bandit meeting within Turji’s camp.
ZagaZola Makama, a security expert in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the incident. He revealed that Nigerian troops had received intelligence about a critical gathering of bandits at Bello Turji’s hideout. Acting on this information, a team of soldiers led by a young officer was quickly dispatched to the area to neutralize the threat.
However, the mission took a disastrous turn when the soldiers’ vehicle became stuck in the marshy terrain, severely hindering their movement. As the troops attempted to free the vehicle, they came under heavy fire from Turji’s gang, sparking an intense gunfight that lasted for hours.
The situation was further complicated by unfavorable weather conditions, with heavy rain preventing air support from arriving in time to assist the stranded troops. The soldiers made several attempts to use another Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to tow out the stuck one, but it too became trapped in the mud.
Before reinforcements could arrive, the situation became overwhelming for the initial team. Unable to retrieve their vehicles, the troops were forced to withdraw from the area, leaving their equipment behind. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported among the soldiers during the clash.
Hours after the troops withdrew, Bello Turji and his gang returned to the scene, celebrating their victory by firing into the sky and boasting about their success in capturing the army’s vehicles. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian military in combating well-armed and organized bandit groups like Turji’s. It also underscores the need for improved logistical support and coordination in military operations, especially in difficult terrains.
