A bandit kingpin, Bello Turji and his gang were shown in an online video celebrating taking over a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier.
Turji and his gang also took over lots of ammunition from the Nigerian Army during the seizure of the carrier.
This was confirmed by a counterinsurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, ZagaZola Makama.
Makama said a distress report was received by the troops indicating a high-level meeting of bandits at a specified location within the Bello Turji camp.
Responding, a team of troops was swiftly deployed to the area, led by a young officer but the team’s vehicle became stuck in the marshy terrain, hindering their advance.
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Makama disclosed that the troops came under intense fire from the bandits, which triggered a heavy gunfire that lasted for some hours.
“Due to the weather conditions (heavy rain), throughout the day, air support was unable to arrive promptly, allowing the bandits to reinforce their position.
“The troops attempted to use the other MRAP to pull out the other one but it got stuck in the mud too.
“Another team of troops were reinforced to the scene but before their arrival, the situation became overwhelming for those holding the ground as they could not pull out their two MRAPS.
“The troops withdrew, leaving behind the vehicles. No fatality was recorded in the encounter.
“Hours later, Turji and his boys appeared in the scene shooting in the sky and screaming that they dislodged the troops and took their vehicles.”
The Nigerian Army is yet to confirm the development.
