Bandits in weekend killing spree have slained six soldiers, including two officers in ambush.
The terrorists reportedly killed two vigilantes and abducted an army Captain in Karaga and Rumace communities, Shiroro LGA, Niger State.
It was learned that the soldiers had left their camps at Allawa and Erena to respond to a distress call when the terrorists 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.
Similarly bandits have killed two peace negotiators, one women and children in Gidan Sale, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Relatedly, at least three Civilians were killed while three injured after they were hit by stray bullets during a Gunbattle between troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and bandits who attacked Tsafe Town on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
It was gathered that the civilians were caught in a cross fire after the bandit attacked the town using the community as their shield.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama,a counter terrorism expert around Lake Chad region that the bandits dressed in women’s clothing while others camouflage in different attire before carrying out the attacks from different points.
Intelligence sources further stated that the bandits hijacked a vehicle conveying traders to arrive at Tsafe town through Gusau to Tsafe Road, while others on motorcycles came through Yan Kuzo Road. Others attacked the town through Funtua- Tsafe Road.
A resident of the area said the bandits who were in large numbers were shooting sporadically with sophisticated weapons as they passed through the Police Divisional Office in Tsafe.
The bandits gunned down two traders who came to Tsafe market while a woman was hit by a stray bullet leading to her death. Three other people sustained bullet wounds and were evacuated to the hospital in Gusau.
The Combined troops comprising the Army, Zamfara State Community Protection Guard, Civilian Joint Task Force, repelled the attack.
Meanwhile, Angry youths who blocked the road were reportedly dispersed by security personnel after they protested against the police Divisional Officer in Tsafe.
The sources, who chose to be anonymous, said that the residents were angry that the police personnel did not make any attempt to stop the bandits as they attacked the residents in the area.
The Zamfara State Police Command had deployed an Armored Personnel Carrier to stop the protesters.
However, General Nwachukwu who released a statement at 6.15pm, noted that the troops fought gallantly and eliminated several terrorists too.
According to him, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed at Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State had an encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on April 19, 2024.
“Troops gallantly fought through the ambush and eliminated several of the terrorists as well as captured some of their equipment.
“Sadly, the troops suffered a temporary setback as 6 personnel comprising 2 officers and 4 soldiers paid the supreme price. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen Landers Saraso has on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff sympathized with the families of the deceased personnel and promised them that the unfortunate setback will be avenged by the troops.
“He said the troops are currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter. He urged the good people of the State to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies will ensure their protection at all times.
“In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army authority has contacted the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes, while burial has been conducted for the deceased muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.
“The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe.
“The Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC and other senior officers also visited the 2 wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the Military Hospital and subsequently paid condolence visit to the families of the deceased.
“We urge the general public, particularly the good people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops.” He said.