A coordinated operation involving intelligence operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian ground troops has led to the elimination of scores of bandits in Niger State, as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) prepares for a major aerial offensive against fleeing terrorists.
According to a defence intelligence source who spoke to PRNigeria, the successful raid was made possible by credible intelligence provided by the DSS. The operation specifically targeted armed groups loyal to notorious terrorist kingpins Dogo Gide and Leyi.
The offensive began on Tuesday after armed bandits invaded Chibani village in Munya Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, killing one Ayuba Isah and injuring a policeman and another resident, identified as Alhaji Shuaibu.
By Wednesday, the bandits—numbering over 200 and wielding sophisticated firearms—launched an assault on a security post in Kuchi, also in Munya LGA. However, a fierce gunfight ensued, during which several bandits were neutralised. The rest reportedly fled with varying degrees of injuries.
Security operatives confirmed that reinforcements deployed from Galadima Kogo to Kuchi were instrumental in repelling the assault and weakening the terrorists.
Meanwhile, large herds of cattle suspected to have been rustled were sighted crossing the Kusasu River in Galadima Kogo District, Shiroro LGA. The animals were reportedly being moved towards suspected hideouts in the Borisudna/Kwaki axis.
In a continued effort to flush out the remnants of the fleeing terrorists, the Nigerian Air Force has mobilised air assets to provide aerial support and conduct precision strikes on identified bandit locations.
The latest operation underscores the deepening collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies in confronting insurgency and criminality in the North-Central region.
By PRNigeria