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By Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false reports that about 150 bandits drowned in a boating accident in Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, even as troops had recorded significant success in a coordinated offensive against bandit enclaves in the North West.
NIWA Area Director in charge of the Sokoto zonal office, Bello Bala, described the viral report as false, stressing that no such incident has occurred.
Bala noted that the river linked to the accident is not navigable, making the claim untenable.
He urged the media and public to exercise caution and verify information from credible sources before dissemination, adding that NIWA remains accessible for clarification on waterway issues.
Bala further explained that the authority continued to sensitize river communities on safety protocols, including the use of life jackets and compliance with operational guidelines. He argued that in the event of a real accident, local water users’ associations and community leaders would promptly report the incident.
Confirming NIWA’s position, a source within the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto also confirmed that the report was completely false. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops deployed in the area had no record of any boating incident involving bandits.
“The report of 150 bandits drowning in a boat accident is unfounded. Our troops are actively operating in the area and no such incident has occurred,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has recorded a major operational breakthrough following a fierce clash with armed bandits in the camp of notorious kingpin Bello Turji.
According to security sources, the operation, led by the 8th Division Strike Force, targeted hideouts in Fakai community which spans Shinkafi and Isa local government areas of Zamfara and Sokoto states. The offensive, which began in the early hours of March 20, focused on removing criminal elements entrenched within the Kagara forest axis.
During the operation, two combat support vehicles reportedly developed mechanical failures near Maberaya village in Isa LGA, temporarily slowing the troops’ advance. Seizing the opportunity, the bandits launched an ambush from high positions within the forest.
However, the troops responded decisively with superior firepower, neutralizing many of the attackers in the ensuing firefight. The source described the meeting as intense but ultimately successful.
Three soldiers and a Department of State Services (DSS) officer were injured during the clash and were evacuated to the 8 Division Military Hospital in Sokoto for treatment.
Security officials reiterated that the alleged drowning incident was a fabrication, urging the public to ignore misinformation and rely on verified updates from official channels.
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