A violent confrontation between local vigilante forces and armed fighters loyal to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly resulted in multiple fatalities in the Chida community of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
According to security sources, the intense gunfight erupted on Monday when members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), accompanied by a former bandit-turned-informant, Bashir Maniya, launched a coordinated counter-banditry mission into the Fakai region, one of Turji’s strongholds.
Their goal was to neutralize the elusive Turji, a key figure in the region’s long-running insecurity crisis. However, the operation was met with stiff resistance.
“The local vigilantes and Bashir Maniya led the team to the area with an intention of neutralising Turji,” said one security source.
“But in the process, he was informed by his fighters about the attack, and he mobilised some of his lieutenants and heavily armed foot soldiers.”
The ambush led to a deadly exchange of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of several CJTF operatives, including Maniya.
A number of security vehicles were also destroyed during the confrontation.
Though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, both sides are believed to have suffered significant losses.
A local resident, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described the panic that spread through nearby villages during the fighting.
“Some of our people fled their houses when the two groups were exchanging fire,” the resident said.
“The whole community was thrown into confusion because of the gunshots we were hearing.”
Following the attack, a one-minute, three-second video surfaced online showing Bello Turji and his fighters, reportedly filmed after the clash.
In the footage, Turji appeared to be reacting to the failed attempt to capture or kill him.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, and efforts to confirm the full extent of the incident from security agencies in Zamfara are still ongoing.
Zamfara State has remained a hotspot in Nigeria’s struggle against banditry and violent crime.
Bello Turji is one of the most wanted bandit leaders in the region, accused of orchestrating numerous attacks on villages, security operatives, and transport routes.
While local vigilante groups such as the CJTF have played a key role in community defense, confrontations with well-armed bandits have often resulted in high casualties, further highlighting the fragile security situation in Nigeria’s northwest.
