Bandits Strike In Niger, Kill Five Soldiers, Two Others

Seven persons, including five military officers and one Civil Defence Officer have been killed in recent bandit attacks in five communities in Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

Ten others were said to have been kidnapped with seven motorcycles stolen and some military vehicles burnt during the attack.

The communities include Allawa, Manta, Gurmana, Bassa and Kokki.

It was learnt the attacks occurred on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

A lot of injured villagers are receiving treatment in various health centers in Shiroro local government area.

It was learnt the bandits stormed the Allawa camp of the Joint Security Task Force at about 2 am on Thursday and opened fire on the officials, including Army, Police, Civil Defence and Vigilantes killing five Soldiers and one Civil Defence Officer.

Several others sustained injuries.

The bandits on Wednesday also attacked Manta, Gurmana and Bassa villages where one person identified as Alhaji Sale was killed and four others kidnapped.

The President, Shiroro youth movement, Sani Idris, confirmed the incidents.

The Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki also confirmed the incidents, saying the security personnel killed were taken unawares.

He said the Joint Security Task Force camp was burnt down by the bandits and a lot of the officers sustained gunshot injuries.

The Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, did not pick his call.