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Security forces, which include both military personnel and local vigilantes, have successfully neutralized several bandit groups in Kundu village, situated along the Zungeru-Tegina road, within the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was gathered that the operation, which occurred on Wednesday morning, led to widespread panic in the Zungeru Wednesday Market, prompting residents to evacuate their homes amidst the sound of gunfire that persisted for several hours.
Sources who spoke to journalists on the recent event noted that the bandit groups were in the process of crossing the area in large numbers towards the Akare axis in the Wushishi Local Government Area when the military initiated an ambush.
A military officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, told newsmen that the troops were observing their movements, as there was intelligence suggesting the assailants were following their customary path.
Consequently, he said the army had positioned its forces for an ambush.
“As usual, they hardly abandon the bodies of their colleagues. But for sure, our soldiers recorded success against them,” the military source told Daily Trust.
Commenting on the recent security operation, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), said: “This success is a stepping stone for us to prepare more because terrorists hardly accept defeat.”
A resident who spoke further on the event said, “We heard gunshots for several hours. The bandits rode on about 40 motorcycles and were crossing the road around Kundu village. They had already stopped some cattle they intended to rustle when soldiers and vigilantes ambushed them. Thank God, the security operatives overpowered them, forcing them to retreat.”
Another resident, who preferred anonymity, told reporters, “We heard of their movement since Tuesday, and our vigilantes were on alert. They were by the roadside when they saw them coming on Wednesday morning. Soldiers were alerted and ambushed them.
“Thank God soldiers were there; it would have been a different story because our vigilantes wouldn’t have been able to fight them due to their weapons and number.”
NAIJA NEWS