‘Three soldiers killed’ in Niger after bandits’ attack

Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, says three soldiers were killed in the state after a recent attack by bandits.

Bello stated this at a media briefing after a security meeting held at the government house on Tuesday.

According to a statement by Mary Noel-Berge, his chief press secretary, the governor said during the incident which occurred in Magama LGA, two bandits were killed, while security operatives are currently on the trail of those who escaped.

“The Governor disclosed the death of three soldiers in Magama local government [area], adding that some bandits were killed too and two bodies recovered, while security agencies were trailing the rest of the bandits with the hope that the culprits will be arrested,” the statement reads.

“He said with more security personnel deployed by the Federal Government to the state, more grounds will be covered.”

The development comes weeks after gunmen attacked a military camp in Zazzaga community in Munya LGA of Niger state.

Meanwhile, the governor added that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently returning to their homes, especially those in communities across Shiroro, Munya, and Mariga LGAs.

“I am happy to announce that we have seen tremendous improvement. A lot of IDPs have gradually moved to their villages, especially in Shiroro, Munya, and Mariga local government areas,” the governor said.

“We have at least 25 communities that have relocated back to their various homes. It doesn’t mean we don’t have our challenges, but the security agencies are doing their best to see that they contain the situation. I’ve monitored movement of IDPs today and everything has been going on smoothly.”