NIGER (Sundiata Post) – The joint security task force in Niger State recorded a major breakthrough in its war against bandits in the state. An unspecified number of bandits were neutralized on Wednesday during a gun battle in Kundu, Rafi Local Government Area.
Although the exact number of casualties is unknown, a source close to the Kundu community hinted that over a hundred bandits were killed.
“The bandits that were killed are over a hundred because, up till this morning (Thursday), more bodies have been recovered from the bush. Dead bodies littered everywhere in the bush,” the source said. “At least we have counted over ninety bodies after the gun battle, which lasted over an hour.”
The bandits were reportedly travelling in large numbers, attempting to cross the busy Minna-Tegina road through their usual route, heading towards Akere community around Kundu village in Wushishi Local Government Area, when they were ambushed.
According to a source, the military, having gotten wind of their movement, decided to monitor them along their usual route.
“That was how they ran into the ambush mounted by the military and the vigilantes, and that was what led to the heavy casualties on the side of the criminals,” the source revealed. “Some of the military and the vigilantes sustained injuries, but there was no report of any death as at this morning (Thursday).”
However, another eyewitness from Kundu community told reporters they got wind of the bandits’ movement, noting that they were travelling with motorcycles. The community quickly alerted security. The bandits then abandoned their motorcycles and proceeded on foot.
“We believed that their informants told them (bandits) to come on foot, hence the sudden change in their movement,” the eyewitness said. “It was a serious gun duel with the military in the early morning rain because they came during the rain. We commend the military and vigilantes for countering them successfully this time around.”
Niger State Commissioner for Homeland and Security, Retired General Abdullahi Bello Mohammed, confirmed the incident to journalists and commended the military and vigilantes for their success.
He stated that the bandits would surely evacuate their injured and corpses; hence, nobody could actually ascertain the number of casualties. However, he urged the security forces to be on alert because criminals do not accept defeat easily and should be prepared in case of any reprisal attacks.
