Two Chinese Nationals Kidnapped As Bandits Kill Security Operatives In Niger

Bandit terrorists have reportedly kidnapped two Chinese nationals and killed thirteen security agents during an attack on a mining site in Niger State.

Naija News gathered that the attack happened on Wednesday afternoon in Ajata, Aboki in Gurmana ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, the Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youth of Niger State, Sani Kokki said the gunmen attacked the mining site and opened fire into the air.

He also stated that the bandits kidnapped a yet-to-be-identified number of people including two Chinese expatriates and killed some security operatives.

It was learned that Major Anara, and Capt Abubakar Samido, were among the military casualties in the attack carried out by terrorists.

An unspecified number of security agencies were killed including police officers.

Reacting to the development, the Niger State Government confirmed the attack on the mining site in a statement on Thursday.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, said that a joint security team mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists.

Umar said many of the joint security operatives sustained injuries, adding that the number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

He said some of the gunmen were killed during the rescue effort, and that some security operatives were rescued and taken to a government medical centre for treatment.

“Security forces mobilized reinforcement for the manhunt of the remaining terrorists as some of them were neutralized and rescue of the injured victims including security personnel that sustained various degrees of injuries have been taken to a government medical facility in the state for treatment.

“While the Niger State Government commiserates with the heads of security agencies in the state and the families of the slain personnel, the state government assures that their sacrifices will not go in vain.

“The state government acknowledged all the efforts of the joint security operatives and that of the communities in the State towards taming the spate of insecurity in some parts of the state, hence, security personnel are enjoined not to be discouraged in discharging their sacred duties of protecting citizens against all forms of threats as government will continue to be steadfast in providing them with the needed support in all ramifications.”

“His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello, the Governor of Niger State, has therefore directed that the security agencies should go all out to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims and make sure that none of the terrorists escape,” the statement reads.