Police kill seven bandits in gun duel in Niger
Niger State Police killed seven armed bandits in a gunfight in Kumbashi District, Mariga Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly happened at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16.
The bandits are believed to be responsible for a recent attack on farmers in the area.
Community members reportedly spotted the gunmen on Wednesday and immediately alerted security personnel in the area, resulting in the deaths of seven people, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the development in Minna, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun said the fight between the police, alongside local vigilantes and the bandits on the other, resulted in the deaths of seven bandits.
He explained that based on credible intelligence received that armed bandits who terrorize Kumbashi farmers were seen marauding in Kumbashi town, security personnel engaged them in a fight yesterday.
Abiodun added, “As a result, as an extension of demining operations in Niger State to combat banditry and other forms of crime, police tactical teams and local vigilantes/hunters stationed in the town of Kumbashi engaged the bandits in a firefight, and seven of the thugs were neutralized while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.”
He said two members of the vigilante group who had been shot and injured “were taken to Kontagora General Hospital for treatment”.
