The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, in collaboration with vigilantes, killed over one hundred bandits around the Kundu community in the Wushishi local council of Niger State.

The Guardian learned that the bandits were crossing Kontagora road through their usual route towards the Akere axis of Kundu in Wushishi and Mashegu local councils, where they typically engage in kidnapping and cattle rustling.

A source revealed that the military, which was monitoring their movement, ambushed them, and carried out the mass killings. However, the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed.

An eyewitness disclosed that the villagers noticed the bandits’ approach and suspected informants’ involvement when they saw them trekking instead of riding motorcycles.

Another resident from Wushishi, Ishaku Musa Kato, added, “We heard gunshots persistently on Wednesday morning, even inside the rain, for hours. We gathered it was a gun duel between the military and the bandits, with over one hundred bandits killed. We applauded the military and vigilantes for countering them successfully this time around.”

Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, General Abdullahi Mohammed (retd.), who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Minna, lauded the military and vigilantes for their achievements and bravery.

General Bello noted that the bandits would likely evacuate their injured and corpses, making it difficult to confirm the exact casualty number.

He urged security operatives to remain on high alert, conduct constant surveillance, and prepare for potential reprisal attacks.