In what locals are now calling a bold and unexpected strike, members of the Zamfara Civilian Protection Guards (ZCPG) launched a surprise night assault on Monday, targeting armed bandits linked to notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.
The clash unfolded near Cida, a remote village tucked within Shinkafi Local Government Area. By the time the dust settled, more than 100 suspected bandits were dead. The operation also saw the recovery of a large cache of weapons—including machine guns, assorted rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
A top security source revealed that the operation had been in the works for days. Under tight secrecy, the Zamfara State government had mobilized hundreds of civilian guards and carried out rehearsals at a hidden location. Their mission: capture Turji and his top commanders.
Interestingly, while the offensive had state backing, it was carried out independently—without involvement from the Department of State Services (DSS). Eyewitnesses reported spotting fighters who resembled members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Borno State, suggesting wider collaboration among local security outfits.
“We thought we got Turji,” the source said. “We counted over 100 of his men lying dead. But the next day, he released a video—smiling and celebrating with a few of his fighters, standing over the bodies of at least nine vigilantes killed during the battle.”
Despite Turji’s narrow escape, morale among the ZCPG remains high. The source confirmed that the group is intensifying their operations, determined to bring an end to the reign of one of northern Nigeria’s most feared bandit leaders.
“This is not the end,” the source declared. “The offensive is far from over. We’re taking the fight directly to Turji’s doorstep.”
The people of Zamfara—long tormented by insecurity—are watching closely, hopeful that these bold moves will finally restore peace to their communities.
