From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false, reports claiming that about 150 bandits drowned in a boat mishap in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, even as troops recorded significant success in a coordinated offensive against bandits’ enclaves in the North-West.
NIWA Area Manager in charge of Sokoto Zonal Office, Bello Bala, described the viral report as fake, stressing that no such incident occurred.
Bala noted that the river reportedly linked to the incident is not navigable, making the claim untenable.
He urged media organisations and the public to exercise caution and verify information from credible sources before dissemination, adding that NIWA remains accessible for clarification on waterways-related issues.
Bala further explained that the authority has continued to sensitise riverine communities on safety protocols, including the use of life jackets and adherence to operational guidelines. He maintained that in the event of any genuine mishap, local water users’ associations and community leaders would have promptly reported such an occurrence.
Corroborating NIWA’s position, a source within the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also confirmed that the report was entirely false. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops deployed across the area had no record of any boat accident involving bandits.
“The report of 150 bandits drowning in a boat mishap is unfounded. Our troops are actively operating in the area, and there has been no such incident,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army recorded a major operational breakthrough following a fierce engagement with armed bandits in the camp of notorious kingpin, Bello Turji.
According to security sources, the operation, led by the 8 Division Strike Force, targeted hideouts in the Fakai community spanning Shinkafi and Isa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Sokoto States. The offensive, which commenced in the early hours of March 20, focused on dislodging criminal elements entrenched within the Kagara Forest axis.
During the operation, two combat support vehicles reportedly developed mechanical faults near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, temporarily slowing the troops’ advance. Seizing the opportunity, bandits launched an ambush from elevated positions within the forest.
However, the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, neutralising several of the attackers in the ensuing gun battle. The source described the encounter as intense but ultimately successful.
Three soldiers and one operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) sustained injuries during the clash and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
Security officials reiterated that the rumoured drowning incident was a fabrication, urging the public to disregard the misinformation and rely on verified updates from official channels.
