Two security operatives were reportedly killed, following an attack on Kundu community in Rafi LGA, Niger state.
According to residents of the community, gunmen invaded the community on Saturday, but were repelled by a joint operation involving the military, police and local vigilantes.
Some bandits were also said to have died in the attack.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Mary Noel-Berje, chief press secretary to the Niger governor, said “over 100 armed bandits” engaged the joint security operatives in a gun battle that lasted for over two hours.
According to Noel-Berje, Abubakar Bello, Niger governor, commended the security operatives for their efforts.
“Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has commended the joint security operatives stationed in Kundu village, under Rafi Local Government Area of the State, for repelling an attack by armed bandits which claimed the lives of an unspecified number of bandits and two security personnel,” she said.
“Governor Sani Bello gave the commendation when he visited the security camp at Kundu Community to commiserate with the security personnel and to cheer them up, promising to review the security situation in the area to make it better.
“Mr. Governor said he is impressed with the response by the security agents and promised to support family members of the slain personnel, pointing out that the state has enjoyed relative peace in recent times.”
While addressing the security operatives, Bello said his administration will work to restore peace in the communities.
“No place is 100 percent safe, but we will do whatever it takes to bring back relative peace. We are investing in security equipment and other logistics to help in the fight and to reduce casualty,” he said.
There have been several attacks by gunmen across communities — including schools — in Niger state in recent times, which have led to abductions and killings.
Over 100 children, who were recently abducted from the Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina area of Rafi LGA, are still in captivity.
However, while the abductors have demanded ransom for the children, Abubakar Alhassan, headmaster of the school, said 15 of the teachers kidnapped have escaped from captivity.