A deadly clash between notorious bandit Bello Turji’s loyalists and members of the Zamfara Civilian Protection Guard (CPG) has reportedly left over 100 people dead in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to The Punch, the confrontation occurred on Monday near Cida village when CPG members, reportedly supported by the Borno State Civilian JTF, launched a surprise assault on Turji’s hideout with the mission of capturing him dead or alive.
The attack was allegedly led by Bashari Meniyo, a former bandit turned informant. A local resident, Sa’idu Garba, told the press that Turji was tipped off before the operation, giving him enough time to gather over 1,000 armed foot soldiers in defense.
“There was a heavy fight between the two groups which lasted several hours without any intervention from security agencies,” Garba revealed. He confirmed that over 100 of Turji’s fighters were killed in the intense exchange, while Turji himself narrowly escaped.
Garba also confirmed the deaths of more than 20 CPG members, including their leader Meniyo, stating, “If security had intervened in time, Turji would have been eliminated.”
Another resident, Mohammed Sani, described the chaos that swept through nearby villages as residents fled in fear. “I heard several gunshots, and people ran for their lives,” he said.
Efforts to reach military spokesperson Lt. Col. Suleiman Omale were unsuccessful. However, the Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal, Mustafa Kaura, confirmed the incident but said the state was still gathering details on casualties.
This incident underscores the growing insecurity in Zamfara and the urgent need for coordinated security operations in the region.
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