Bandits kill six soldiers and kidnap captain in Niger

• Bandits have ambushed soldiers in Niger State, killing six people and kidnapping a captain in Bassa area of ​​Shiroro Local Government Area.
• The attack resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of property, with the government promising efforts to address insecurity

Bandits launched a deadly ambush in Roro, Karaga and Rumace communities of Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, resulting in the death of six soldiers and the kidnapping of a captain on Friday evening.

Reports indicate that the soldiers, responding to a distress call, left their camps in Allawa and Erena when they were ambushed by armed bandits in Roro village.

In addition to the casualties among military personnel, a hunter and two farmers are also said to have been killed in the attack. The bandits caused further damage by setting fire to houses, food storage facilities and motorcycles.

This incident follows previous deadly encounters, including the killing of 17 senior military officers, including soldiers and captains, in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of ​​Delta State, on March 14. In addition, three officers and 22 soldiers were killed last year. during a bandit ambush in Niger State on August 13.

According to residents, the attack took place around 9pm on Friday and lasted for hours, with bandits riding on motorcycles and shooting indiscriminately as they moved through the communities.

Despite attempts to contact the Military High Command for comment, there was no response. However, the Commissioner for Internal Security of Niger State, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident and assured that efforts are on to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity issues and pledged support to the affected families. At the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were unsuccessful.