In the early hours of this morning, a fierce confrontation broke out between Nigerian soldiers, residents of Gatawa, and the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji with his armed fighters.
The clash reportedly began around 6:00 a.m. near Bakin Gulbi, close to Tungar Yakuba in Sokoto State.
Zagazola, a counter-insurgency security analyst specializing in Northern Nigeria, confirmed the incident, describing it as a heavy gun battle with both sides engaged in intense fighting.
Residents in the vicinity reported hearing sustained gunfire, indicating a prolonged and significant exchange between the soldiers, locals, and Turji’s bandit group.
Bello Turji is known as one of the most wanted bandit leaders in the region, with a history of attacks on villages, kidnappings, and other violent activities that have plagued communities across Sokoto and neighbouring states.
His group is one of the several armed factions responsible for ongoing instability and terror in Nigeria’s northwest.
The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to combat banditry and insurgency in recent months, deploying additional military resources to states like Sokoto that have been severely affected.
This confrontation highlights the challenges faced by both security forces and local communities in reclaiming control from armed groups.
Further updates on the battle are anticipated as Nigerian forces, alongside residents, continue their attempts to neutralize Turji’s fighters.
The situation remains tense, with potential repercussions for the surrounding communities.
The Nigerian army has yet to release an official statement regarding the clash or any casualties on either side.
