DSS, Army Neutralizes 50 Bandits, Rescuing Kidnapees, as Niger Assembly Speaker hailed operation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have struck a major blow against banditry in Niger State, neutralizing over 50 armed men and rescuing kidnapped victims in a daring joint operation.

The incident, which occurred on Aug. 26 in Kumbashi village of Mariga Local Government Area, is being hailed as one of the most successful security interventions in recent times.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, described the operation as “a demonstration of superior intelligence, training and firepower,” while commending the operatives for their courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that about 300 bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, attempted to invade Kumbashi at about 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The attack targeted a DSS service asset camp in the area.

However, security operatives swiftly repelled the assault after a fierce gun duel that left no fewer than 50 of the assailants dead. Several others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.

“My constituents confirmed that the bandits, clearly shaken by the scale of their losses, were seen dismembering the corpses of their dead colleagues, loading them in sacks, and hauling them off on motorcycles,” Sarkin-Daji said.

The Speaker, who represents Mariga constituency in the Assembly, added that seven kidnapped victims were freed during the operation, while rustled cattle were also recovered from the criminals.

The development follows an earlier breakthrough by the DSS in Wawa, Niger State, where its operatives arrested alive Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, one of the most notorious terror groups in Nigeria.

For many locals, the latest operation offers renewed hope that security agencies are regaining the upper hand against banditry that has plagued the North-Central state.

Community sources in Kumbashi said that the success of the operation was particularly inspiring because the security operatives were outnumbered nearly six to one, yet held their ground.

“They stood firm when hundreds of bandits surrounded them. If not for their bravery, Kumbashi would have been wiped out,” a local resident said.

Sarkin-Daji, in his commendation, urged residents of the state to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to sustain the momentum against the criminal groups.

He also assured that the Assembly would continue to provide legislative backing to enhance security interventions in the state.

The Niger State operation adds to the growing list of successful joint missions by the DSS and the military, reflecting a wider strategy of intelligence-led warfare to dismantle terror and bandit networks across the country.

DSS, Army Neutralizes 50 Bandits, Rescuing Kidnapees, as Niger Assembly Speaker hailed operation

Police arrest fake soldier, recover firearms in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested a 40-year-old man who allegedly posed as a soldier to deceive and extort unsuspecting members of the public in Abuja.

Sources said that the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Salisu of Military Pension Board area, was arrested on Monday evening by a police ambush team from Kubwa Division while on routine patrol at FO1, Kubwa.

“On a spot search, one locally made pistol with a cartridge was recovered in his possession.

“A further search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of another locally made gun, as well as clothing and tokens suspected to belong to a civilian JTF unit, which the suspect allegedly used in carrying out criminal activities,” said the sources.

The sources said suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation to ascertain his true identity and involvement in other crimes.

Police arrest fake soldier, recover firearms in Abuja

Eight hunters killed in bandits’ attack in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

At least eight hunters have been killed during an exchange of gunfire with armed bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when a large number of armed bandits invaded Hunyo/Sabon Wuri village in Dusai Mahoro District of Mariga and rustled an unspecified number of cattle.

Sources said the bandits, while attempting to escape with the stolen cattle, were intercepted by the hunters between Kakihum and Kumbashi villages.

“In the ensuing exchange of fire, eight of the hunters lost their lives. Their names and addresses are yet to be ascertained.

“Police Mobile Force operatives deployed in Bangi, the divisional patrol team, and local vigilantes led by the Divisional Police Officer moved swiftly to the scene. The corpses have since been evacuated to General Hospital, Bangi, for autopsy,” said the sources.

Eight hunters killed in bandits’ attack in Niger