Scores of bandits neutralised by Army, DSS, Local Volunteer Forces in Niger Communities

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and local volunteer forces on Tuesday successfully foiled what locals said would have been a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

Credible security sources disclosed that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the the planned attack.

According to the sources, as bandits in their numbers made to storm Bagna and Erene communities, the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers.

“Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles were headed to the communities. Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores were killed while many others fled towards the Makuba and Allawa axis,” disclosed sources.

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Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry saved them from what would have been a major disaster.

“We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us,” one of the residents stated.

“We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces. This has led to a bridging of security gaps, and making the first line of defence against insecurity very effective,” offered a source, stressing, “their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country.”