Over 100 Killed as Bello Turji’s Fighters Clash With Zamfara Guards Led by Repentant Bandit

ZAMFARA, NIGERIA – More than 100 people were killed in a brutal gun battle on Monday between armed loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and members of the Zamfara Civilian Protection Guard (CPG), in what is being described as one of the bloodiest clashes in recent months in Nigeria’s troubled northwest.

The confrontation occurred near Cida village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following an aggressive raid launched by the CPG and members of the Borno State Civilian Joint Task Force. The joint team reportedly stormed Turji’s camp in an attempt to capture him “dead or alive,” according to multiple sources familiar with the operation.

The mission was reportedly spearheaded by Bashari Meniyo, a repentant bandit-turned-vigilante leader, without prior coordination with state security agencies.

Ambush and Heavy Casualties

According to a local resident, Malam Garba, Turji was tipped off before the assault and quickly mobilized over 1,000 of his fighters to defend the camp.

“There was a heavy fight between the two groups, which lasted for several hours without the intervention of the security agents,” Garba told reporters.

Garba added that while Turji narrowly escaped the offensive, over 100 of his fighters were killed in the battle. The CPG also suffered significant losses, with more than 20 operatives, including Meniyo himself, killed in the firefight.

“Bashari Meniyo, who led the CPG members, was killed along with other members of his group,” he confirmed. “If the security agents had intervened in time, Turji would have been killed.”

Panic in Local Communities

Residents in nearby villages were thrown into chaos as the sound of gunfire echoed for hours. Mohammed Sani, a resident of Cida, described the atmosphere as terrifying.

“I heard several gunshots when the two groups were exchanging fire on Monday,” he said. “Most of the people in my village left their houses and ran helter-skelter to avoid being killed.”

Government, Military Silent

Efforts to reach Lt. Col. Suleiman Omale, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and text messages received no reply.

Mustafa Kaura, the Special Assistant to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communications, confirmed the incident but declined to provide casualty figures.

“I have to find out the actual number of the Civilian Protection Guard members who were said to have lost their lives. I cannot say anything for now, until after the investigation,” he stated.

Background on Bello Turji

Bello Turji is one of the most feared and wanted bandit leaders in northwest Nigeria, accused of orchestrating mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities and security forces. Despite several military operations aimed at dismantling his network, he continues to operate with impunity in the forested regions of Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The emergence of repentant bandits like Meniyo in local security operations has raised serious questions about the Nigerian government’s strategy in combating banditry, particularly as clashes between rival factions and vigilantes increase.

Security Vacuum Raises Alarms

The failure of security agencies to respond during the hours-long battle has renewed concerns about the deepening security vacuum in northern Nigeria.

“This incident is a glaring example of how non-state actors are increasingly taking the law into their own hands, with devastating consequences,” said one security analyst who declined to be named.

As Zamfara and other parts of the northwest continue to suffer from banditry, insecurity, and lawlessness, calls for a more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and professional counterinsurgency strategy are growing louder.