At least 42 bandits have been killed by a joint military-police operation which took place in the Shiroro, Niger State.

It was gathered that the troops were deployed after intelligence on their movement toward Alawa village.

The operatives laid an ambush for the criminals who fled the ongoing military operation in Zamfara.

They opened fire on sighting them at Manganda junction in Shiroro.

The gun battle that ensued claimed the life of one soldier while a few others sustained injury.

“At least 42 bandits were killed. We lost a soldier, while team members who sustained injury have been taken to Asmau Hospital in Kagara.

“We recovered sophisticated weapons, motorcycles and herds of cattle from the bandits during the operation”, an officer told PRNigeria.

Meanwhile, Shiroro leaders have raised the alarm of bandits fleeing Zamfara entering Niger on motorcycles with masked faces.

They want the military operation going on in Zamfara and states to be well-coordinated to ensure criminals don’t sneak into nearby states.

Bandits have been seen in Galadiman Kogo, Zama, Magami, Maganda, Paleli, Iburo, Chukuba and Dnasapa all in Shiroro Local Government.

Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA) spokesman, Salis Sabo urged security agencies to swiftly intervene.