Footage has surfaced online showing notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji and his foot soldiers celebrating after capturing a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a significant cache of ammunition.
The incident was confirmed by a counterinsurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, ZagaZola Makama, who provided details about the confrontation.
According to Makama, the Nigerian Army received intelligence about a high-level meeting of bandits at a location within Bello Turji’s camp.
In response, a team of soldiers was dispatched to the area, led by a young officer. However, the operation encountered difficulties when the troops’ vehicle became stuck in the marshy terrain, halting their advance.
Makama reported that the soldiers came under heavy fire from the bandits, leading to an intense gun battle that lasted for several hours.
Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, prevented air support from arriving in time, allowing the bandits to strengthen their position.
The troops attempted to use another Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to pull out the stuck one, but it too became mired in the mud.
Despite reinforcements being sent to the scene, the situation became overwhelming, and the soldiers were forced to withdraw, leaving the vehicles behind. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported among the troops.
Hours later, Turji and his gang returned to the scene, celebrating their victory by firing shots into the sky and boasting about their success in dislodging the soldiers and capturing their vehicles.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has not yet confirmed the incident.
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