By correspondent in Minna.
Jubilation erupted in many parts of Niger State on Wednesday as a coordinated effort by the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups led to the significant reduction of armed bandits terrorizing the region.
Reports indicate that more than one hundred bandits, who had been holding several communities hostage, were neutralized during a strategic operation.
The bandits, initially moving through Kundu in Wushishi Local Government Area (LGA) toward Kontagora, were ambushed by security forces who had been tracking their movements.
The criminals were en route to the Akere axis of Kundu, a border area between Wushishi and Mashegu LGA, known for their activities of kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Our correspondent gathered that the military, having detected the bandits’ route, executed a surprise attack that resulted in heavy casualties among the armed group.
An eyewitness from Kundu said the bandits, initially on motorcycles, were forced to continue on foot due to prior intelligence warning them of an impending siege.
A Wushishi resident,Ishaku Musa Kato, described the scene as chaotic, with persistent gunfire despite heavy rain.
He confirmed that over one hundred bandits were reportedly neutralized, praising the military and vigilantes for their effective response.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland and Security, Gen. Abdullahi Bello Mohammed (rtd), who confirmed the incident, lauded the bravery of the Nigerian military and vigilante forces.
He acknowledged that while the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, due to the bandits’ tendency to evacuate their dead and wounded, the operation’s success was significant.
The Commissioner urged continued vigilance and preparedness for any potential reprisal attacks by the bandits, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance along their known routes.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
