Troops foil Sokoto abduction bid, govt dismisses Turji threat

Troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma have successfully thwarted a bandit attack in Takatsaba, a border community in Sokoto State's Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The operation resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists and prevented potential abductions of residents. This military success comes as the Sokoto State government reassures its citizens of its commitment to confronting renewed security threats, particularly those associated with the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

A credible security source reported that the incident occurred on Monday when heavily armed bandits invaded the community with the intent to abduct residents. The troops responded swiftly, engaging the assailants with superior firepower. This engagement forced the bandits to retreat, with several attackers neutralized and others escaping with gunshot wounds. The prompt military intervention was crucial in safeguarding residents and their property.

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The troops confronted the bandits with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of several of the attackers, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Security operatives recovered two motorcycles, magazines, and assorted ammunition abandoned by the fleeing attackers. The source commended the troops for their professionalism and rapid response, highlighting the operation as a significant success that averted potential loss of life and property. Residents are urged to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government is actively addressing fears stemming from reports that Bello Turji has allegedly acquired sophisticated weapons and recruited mercenaries. Col Ahmed Usman (retd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, stated that the government is closely monitoring developments and collaborating with security agencies to prevent criminal elements from destabilizing the state. He emphasized that security is a continuous process and all intelligence reports are taken seriously, with sustained logistical and financial support provided to security agencies to enhance their effectiveness.

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Security is a continuous process, and as a government, we take every intelligence report seriously. We are working closely with the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations to ensure that criminal elements do not have the opportunity to threaten the peace and stability of our state.