Over 50 Bandits Killed, Hostages Rescued as Army, DSS Repel Massive Attack in Niger State

In a major security breakthrough, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) neutralised more than 50 armed bandits during a joint operation in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The operation, which took place on August 26, also led to the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and the recovery of rustled cattle.

The confrontation, described as one of the most decisive in recent times, unfolded when approximately 300 heavily armed bandits launched an assault targeting a DSS camp around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Despite being heavily outnumbered, security forces successfully repelled the attack after a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly and representative of the Mariga constituency, hailed the operation as “a demonstration of superior intelligence, training and firepower.” He praised the bravery of the operatives, noting that their resistance prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy for the local community.

“My constituents confirmed that the bandits, clearly shaken by the scale of their losses, were seen dismembering the corpses of their dead colleagues, loading them in sacks, and hauling them off on motorcycles,” Sarkin-Daji stated.

Eyewitness accounts corroborated that dozens of the attackers were fatally wounded, while others escaped with injuries. The Speaker also urged the public to continue providing timely intelligence to support ongoing security efforts.

This successful operation follows a recent breakthrough in Wawa, Niger State, where DSS operatives apprehended Abubakar Abba, the leader of Mahmuda — one of Nigeria’s most notorious terror groups.

Local sources expressed renewed hope in the wake of the Kumbashi victory, highlighting the courage displayed by the security forces under intense pressure. “They stood firm when hundreds of bandits surrounded them. If not for their bravery, Kumbashi would have been wiped out,” one resident remarked.

Sarkin-Daji assured that the State Assembly would continue to provide legislative support to strengthen security operations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, security agencies, and communities.

The Kumbashi operation adds to a growing list of coordinated military and intelligence successes, reinforcing Nigeria’s evolving strategy of intelligence-led warfare against terror and bandit networks.