Troops Neutralize 50 Bandits in Niger State, Rescue Abducted Victims

In a major security operation in Niger State, a combined team of Nigerian Army troops and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) has eliminated at least 50 armed bandits and rescued several abducted victims during a gun battle in Kumbashi, Mariga Local Government Area.

The confrontation took place on Tuesday after about 300 armed bandits attempted to invade the community, reportedly targeting a DSS operational base in the area.

Confirming the incident, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mashegu constituency, praised the swift and coordinated response by security forces.

“My constituents confirmed that the bandits were seen carrying away the corpses of their colleagues in sacks on motorcycles,” Sarkin-Daji told journalists in Minna on Wednesday.

He commended the security forces for their superior intelligence, training, and firepower.

The lawmaker also urged residents to continue sharing timely information with security agencies, adding that the House of Assembly would provide necessary legislative support to bolster security efforts across the state.

However, following the Kumbashi attack, surviving bandits reportedly regrouped near Zungeru in Wushishi Local Government Area, where they launched a fresh assault.

According to a local community leader, the armed group blocked the Minna–Kontagora highway at Kundu on Wednesday morning, killing a civilian and a vigilante, and injuring another person who was rushed to the hospital.

“This is the first time we are witnessing such a large influx of bandits into this area. Our people are now living in fear. We appeal to both the state and federal governments to urgently deploy more security personnel to protect our communities,” the leader said.

When contacted, SP Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, acknowledged the report of the Zungeru attack but said he would provide further updates. As of press time, no additional statement had been issued.

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Troops Kill 50 Bandits, Rescue Victims in Niger State as Attack on DSS Base Fails

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Troops and DSS operatives kill 50 bandits during attack in Niger State’s Kumbashi community. Several abducted victims rescued; survivors regroup in Zungeru for new assault.

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