No less than 10 bandits were killed by security operatives during an attempt to disrupt the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Rafi LGA of Niger state.
Emmanuel Umar, the commissioner for local government, chieftaincy affairs and internal security, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
Recently, cases of attacks and kidnapping have heightened across many communities in Niger, with residents forced to relocate in search of safety.
According to Umar, the gunmen attacked Kawo and Uregi villages on Monday.
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He said operatives of the joint security task force rescued 14 kidnapped victims and recovered seven motorcycles from the gunmen.
“On 02/05/2022 at about 1700hrs, armed bandits on motorcycles attempted to attack Kawo, Uregi villages in Rafi LGA to disrupt Sallah celebration in the state,” he said.
“On the receipt of this information, joint security tactical teams responded swiftly and mobilised to the area where the hoodlums were engaged around Uregi, Kiribo villages and as a result, about ten among bandits were neutralised, 14 kidnapped citizens rescued and seven motorcycles recovered with arms from them.”
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Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, commended the security operatives, including the local vigilante members, for their efforts towards ensuring the safety of citizens of the state.
“The governor appreciates this uncommon sacrifice and encouraged the security agencies not to relent in their efforts towards mitigating against terrorism/banditry and other criminality in the state,” he added.
He urged the citizens to continue to support the security agencies to encourage them in the fight against insecurity in the state.
He added that the government is committed to restoring peace in all banditry affected communities in the state.
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