The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal, Mr. Emmanuel Bagna Umar disclosed this during a meeting with journalists in Minna,
The government of Niger State has disclosed that a staggering 200 bandits have been killed in a gun battle between members of the Joint Security Taskforce and the terrorists in Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas.
The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal, Mr. Emmanuel Bagna Umar announced this during a meeting with journalists in Minna,
He explained that the bandits were killed in the Kundu axis of Rafi and Babanlaba side of Mariga local governments and other parts of the state between Sunday and Wednesday.
Umar noted that all the leaders of the four groups and the joint State Security Taskforce who were engaged in an exchange of fire were killed.
Those killed include Ali Kawajo, Yello Jan Bros, Kachalla Halilu and Bello Tunji.
Umar said a total of sixty motorcycles were recovered while some cattle were also returned to their owners.
Asked how prepared the state is in case the bandits launched another attack, he said, ” we are not ignorant that bandits may regroup, we will neutralize them on any side they may take”
“We need the cooperation of the traditional rulers, communities, the security personnel and even the media. This is one fight for all. We recorded this success through collective efforts of all”.
While appreciating the gallant efforts of the Joint State Security Taskforce, the Commissioner explained that two security personnel lost their lives in the fight.