Bandits suffer loss as Army, DSS, volunteer forces foil attacks on Niger communities

By Soni Daniel

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services, and local volunteer forces reportedly foiled a large-scale attack by bandits on Bagna and Erena communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

Vanguard gathered from informed security sources that the move by the operatives followed advance intelligence on the the planned attack by the terrorists.

According to the sources, no fewer than 300 bandits had concluded plans to storm Bagna and Erene communities, before the security operatives and volunteers ambushed them, killing scores of the attackers.

One of the sources said on Wednesday morning: “Over 300 bandits armed with dangerous weapons and on motorcycles were headed to the communities.

“Unfortunately for them, security operatives and local vigilantes, who had credible intelligence on their movements, ambushed them. Scores of the bandits were killed while many others fled toward the Makuba and Allawa axis,” the source revealed.

Residents of the communities expressed gratitude to the security operatives and volunteer forces, noting that their gallantry and timely intervention saved them from what would have been a major disaster.

“We are very happy. We thank the joint security forces for protecting us,” one of the residents stated.

“We are witnessing an increase in collaboration between security agencies and local volunteer forces.

“This has led to a bridging of security gaps, and making the first line of defence against insecurity very effective,” adding that their actions have helped strengthen security in several communities across the country.