15 Bandits Killed As Troops Foil Attack In Niger

At least 15 armed bandits have been killed in a gun battle with troops on Saturday in Anguwan Mallam in Kontagora, Niger state.

Sources in the area narrated that the incident occurred on Saturday evening around 4pm when the bandits were sighted by troops on patrol at Anguwan Mallam, near Kontagora town.

A resident told Daily Trust the troops engaged the bandits in a firefight, leading to the death of a number of bandits and a soldier.

He added that the residents reported discovering dead bodies in the bush, alongside sleeping kits belonging to the bandits.

He added that the bandits numbering over 70 were in the area, but the presence of the military saved the community from being attacked on Saturday evening.

“The presence of the military was what saved our community from the Bandits. They came in their number on motorcycles and the people became scared because we don’t have what it takes to face them.

“But many were killed, we discovered dead bodies even today in the morning in the bush. We found their sleeping kits and some other valuable materials and others belonging to them,” he said.

The bandits were said to have escaped through the bushes as soldiers overpowered them.