The Niger State Joint Security team, on Monday, neutralised no fewer than ten bandits and rescued fourteen persons at Kawo, Uregi villages in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the incident during the Sallah festivities around 5:00pm.
Confirming the incident, the state’s Commissioner for Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Bagna Umar, in Minna, said the terrorists and armed bandits on motorcycles attempted to attack Kawo, Uregi villages in Rafi locality ostensibly to disrupt the Sallah celebration but were repelled by the security personnel in the state.
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According to the Commissioner, “On the receipt of this information, joint security tactical teams responded swiftly and mobilised to the area where the hoodlums were engaged around Uregi, Kiribo villages and as a result, about ten among bandits were neutralized, 14 kidnapped citizens rescued and seven motorcycles recovered with arms from them.”
Umar commended the gallant efforts of the security personnel, including the local vigilante members who he said abandoned their families during Sallah, to stand guard in the forests and provide security for indigenes.
The Commissioner continued, “The governor appreciates this uncommon sacrifice and encouraged the security agencies not to relent in their efforts towards mitigating against terrorism/banditry and other criminality in the state.
“He equally thanked Nigerlites for their community resilience against banditry and urges them to continue to cooperate with the Government and security agencies in the State to encourage them in this service to humanity for a more secured Niger State”.
The Commissioner then reassured the people of the state government’s commitment and determination to ensure peace was restored in all the troubled communities.