Bandits reportedly kill 6 soldiers and captain in Niger State

Bandits reportedly ambushed and gunned down six soldiers at Roro, Karaga and Rumace communities, Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. 

A captain was also said to have been abducted during the attack which occurred on Friday night, April 19, 2024. 

It was gathered that the abducted captain identified as Adamu, was reportedly killed.

According to Daily Trust, the soldiers had left their camps at Allawa and Erena to respond to a distress call when the armed bandits ambushed them at Roro village.

The bandits were also said to have killed a hunter and two farmers as well as burnt houses, food banks and motorcycles.

Residents, who spoke to the publication on Saturday about the latest killing of soldiers, said that the incident happened around 9pm and lasted for hours.

“Six soldiers lost their lives and one volunteer hunter,” one of the residents said.

Another source, Mustapha Bassa, said the bandits, who rode on motorcycles, were shooting sporadically as they moved to the communities.

Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier-General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident to the Daily Trust on Saturday. 

“All hands were on deck” to bring the perpetrators to book. All hands are on deck to bring the perpetrators to face the law. Government, on her own, is doing everything possible to end the insecurity issues,” he said.

“Additionally, the government will stand by the bereaved and share their grief as well as support them, now and in the long term.