Bandits led by kingpin Bello Turji acquired a military Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Zamfara State following a tactical retreat by troops, recent reports indicate.
An amateur video circulating on social media shows Turji and his group celebrating their new possession of the APC and a cache of ammunition.
Read Also: What Bello Turji And His Men Were Spotted Doing (VIDEO)
Local security officials in the North-Western state clarified to PRNigeria that the terrorists did not forcibly seize the Nigerian Army vehicle as previously reported.
Read Also: Moment Bello Turji And His Men Set Fire To Armoured Vehicles Belonging To Nigerian Military (VIDEO)
“Sources said the personnel and equipment transporter got stuck in a swampy area as soldiers responded to a distress signal from a community in Zurmi local government area.”
“They added that the troops, who were forced to abandon the carrier APC, which was their protection, turned back to their base for reinforcement as well as a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
“The Nigerian military was alerted by a distress call about a reconciliatory meeting between the Baleri banditry gang and some Zamfara locals in the Zurmi axis.
“The meeting was to resolve the differences between the locals and the bandits, similar to the same truce working in the Shinkafi area where there is relative peaceful coexistence.
“But by the time the Baleri boys arrived at the venue, they were attacked by another group also invited to the meeting. It was in the process that troops swung into action.
“Unfortunately, the APC became stuck in a marshy area. They had to retreat to their base to bring a tow truck. So, the APC was not captured by terrorists.
“They only took over the vehicle after noticing troops had withdrawn. It would be foolhardy to remain in a stranded vehicle. Adversaries could easily launch a deadly ambush,” PR Nigeria said.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
