FIJ
Nigerian troops, while engaging terrorists affiliated to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit kingpin, in a gun battle, have lost two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles worth N1.59 billion.
An MRAP vehicle is worth at least $500,000, an equivalent of N796 million. Going by the report, Nigeria lost N1.59 billion to the bandits during the crossfire.
Turji operates in northern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger State.
In a series of posts on Sunday, @Eons Intelligence shared clips of the incident the terrorists originally produced. Reports show that the loss happened after the soldiers received a distress call that indicated a high-level meeting of terrorists at a specified location within the Bello Turji camp was being held towards the end of August.
VIDEO: BANDITS CLAIM VICTORY AFTER TROOPS STRATEGIC WITHDRAWAL.
Troops responded to a distress report of a high-level bandit meeting in the Bello Turji camp, but encountered terrain difficulties, getting their vehicle stuck in the marshy terrain. Despite intense fire, the.. pic.twitter.com/2nMQ0AOp1j— Eons Intelligence (@eonsintelligenc) September 1, 2024
“Troops responded to a distress report of a high-level bandit meeting in the Bello Turji camp, but encountered terrain difficulties, getting their vehicle stuck in the marshy terrain,” Eons Intelligence post reads in part.
“Despite intense fire, the troops engaged in a heavy gunfight lasting several hours. Air support was delayed due to the rain, allowing the bandits to reinforce.
“On August 29, the troops attempted to retrieve their stuck vehicles but were unsuccessful. With the situation becoming overwhelming, they withdrew, leaving behind two MRAPs, which the bandits later set ablaze.”
