Bandits Used Cows as Human Shields, But Troops' Ruthless Advance Crushed Bello Turji's Network in Sokoto

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Nigerian Army has delivered a crushing blow to criminal networks operating in Sokoto State, killing scores of suspected bandits in a major military clearance operation that saw troops deploy armoured personnel carriers and other heavy assets to dismantle a key transit corridor for rustled cattle and terrorist movements. The operation, which was still ongoing as of Friday, August 28, 2026, targeted Maikujera town in Rabah Local Government Area, a notorious axis allegedly linked to the network of wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

According to credible local sources, the troops gained the upper hand during the engagement, forcing several of the suspected bandits to abandon their positions and flee into surrounding farms and thick vegetation. In a desperate attempt to escape, the bandits reportedly used rustled cattle as human shields during the confrontation, resulting in the death and dispersal of a significant number of the livestock. The remaining cattle scattered into nearby forests as the military operation intensified.

A resident of Maikujera, who spoke to our correspondent by telephone, said the military had deployed substantial personnel and equipment in pursuit of the fleeing bandits. "Some of the bandits abandoned their rifles and escaped into nearby farms, taking advantage of the thick vegetation to conceal themselves," the source said. Another source said some of the surviving bandits repeatedly attempted to escape by ascending a nearby hill after coming under sustained pressure from the troops, but the military continued its pursuit.

Investigations revealed that the suspected bandits had been using the Maikujera axis as a transit corridor for moving stolen cattle from Gandi town and adjoining communities in Rabah LGA. The stolen livestock were reportedly being moved through the vast Gundumi forest towards suspected hideouts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas, highlighting the strategic importance of the ongoing military operation in disrupting criminal movements across the interconnected forest corridors.

Confirming the military operation, the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army's 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, described it as a "hugely successful operation," while stating that comprehensive details would be made public in due course. The operation is reportedly continuing with troops conducting mop-up activities in surrounding bushes and along strategic routes linking Rabah, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs, in an effort to prevent fleeing criminals from regrouping or escaping into other communities.

In a related development, security forces in Sokoto State neutralised an unspecified number of suspected bandits and recovered cattle during a separate ambush operation in Rabah Local Government Area at about 5 a.m. on Friday. The operation was carried out by a combined team comprising military personnel from FOB Sokoto, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Vigilance Community Rescue Unit (VCRU), personnel of the Nigeria Police Force from Rabah Division, Police Mobile Force (PMF), and the Counter-Terrorism/Criminal Investigation personnel. According to security sources, the operatives laid an ambush for the suspected bandits at Gadan Maikujera in Rabah LGA after the criminals reportedly rustled cattle from parts of Dange Shuni and Tureta local government areas.

The development has triggered cautious relief among residents of Maikujera and surrounding communities, many of whom have lived under persistent fear of bandit attacks, cattle rustling and other criminal activities associated with armed groups operating in the region. Residents have consequently called on the military and other security agencies to sustain the offensive beyond the immediate operation, arguing that only persistent pressure, intelligence-led operations and effective control of the forest corridors can prevent the bandits from re-establishing their camps and threatening communities again.

The latest operation is part of ongoing security efforts by the authorities to curb banditry, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across communities in Sokoto State. Efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend other suspects believed to have escaped from the scene.

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