The Niger State Government has refuted media reports that some civilians were killed at Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area as a result of the ongoing Air and ground operations by the military and other security agencies in the state.
According to Commisioner for Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, "there are no civilians, residence in these areas for sometimes due to the infiltrations and activities of the terrorists which forced the locals to seek shelter as IDPs in other parts of the state".
Umar noted that the Niger State Government welcomes the ongoing intensified military operations in neighbouring states and in some local government areas in Niger state which includes Shiroro, Munya and other LGAs which is aimed at neutralising of bandits/terrorist in these environments.
He stated that the efforts of the joint operations have yielded a lot of success which the state is happy as many bandits/terrorist have already been eliminated in the affected LGAs.
"Similarly, as part of joints efforts by the State Government in conjunction with security agencies have repelled bandits attacks in Shiroro and Munya LGA and rescued many abductees accordingly.
"While the State Government appreciates the victories recorded during these operations, it also looks forward to a sustained operations to eradicate bandits from the state.
These efforts will no doubt restore confidence in the communities within the area, which will enable them return back to their farms.
