Nigerian forces have bombarded alleged camps held by “bandits” in the northwest of the country with the aim of ending violence in the region, villagers said Sunday. The campaign began Thursday and has caused massive losses for a group led by gang leader Bello Turji, they said. “Bodies of Turji’s men litter the forest and all his camps were destroyed,” Muhammed said, quoting residents of the nearby village of Fakai. The air and land operation in Zamfara state targets “bandits” loyal to Turji, one of the main gang leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring Sokoto blamed for deadly attacks. Awwalun Daudawa, a bandit chief behind the kidnapping of 300 students in nearby Katsina state in December 2020, renounced armed conflict in February under a government amnesty.

Source: Punch December 20, 2021 18:42 UTC