According to a news report, a resident of Shinkafi Local Government Area in Zamfara State has blamed the failure of security agents to respond swiftly for the escape of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji during a deadly clash near Cida village. Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, Sa’idu Garba, a local youth leader, revealed that over 100 of Turji’s fighters were killed during a fierce and prolonged confrontation with members of the Zamfara Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), who were reinforced by the battle-hardened Borno Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF).
The operation, described as one of the most intense anti-bandit offensives in the region in recent months, was reportedly aimed at capturing or neutralizing Turji, a figure long associated with some of the deadliest attacks in northwestern Nigeria. However, Garba expressed frustration that despite multiple distress calls and intelligence reports, formal security forces failed to arrive in time to block Turji’s escape route.
“This was our best chance in years to end his reign of terror, but we were left alone,” Garba lamented. “If the army or air support had responded, we would not be talking about his escape today.”
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Eyewitness accounts suggest that Turji fled with a small group of loyalists through a forested corridor leading toward the border with Sokoto State, taking advantage of the confusion and lack of aerial surveillance. The successful resistance by the CPG and Civilian JTF has, however, been hailed as a morale booster in the local fight against banditry, though it has also reignited public outcry over the perceived failure of federal security forces to act decisively.
As of now, the area remains tense, with fears of a possible reprisal attack by the remnants of Turji’s gang. Security officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, but residents are calling for an urgent review of operational coordination between community defense groups and the national security establishment.….KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
