Key Points

• Bandits attacked three Niger communities, killing villagers and looting properties.

• JTF security camp in Kuchi was burned after troops fled the attack.

• Niger State government vows stronger action to protect residents.

Armed bandits stormed three communities in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday afternoon.

Around 100 heavily armed attackers struck Zagzaga, Chibani, and Kuchi between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

They killed an unspecified number of villagers, burned homes, and looted properties. Residents also reported that the bandits rustled over 200 cattle.

The bandits moved from house to house, terrorizing residents and stealing food supplies. Local sources said the attack was coordinated and well-planned, causing widespread panic in the communities.

JTF camp burned amid bandit raids in Niger communities

A particularly alarming development was the burning of a Joint Task Force (JTF) security camp in Kuchi.

Reports say the security operatives abandoned their post due to the overwhelming number of attackers. This allowed the bandits to set the camp ablaze without resistance.

Authorities found the corpse of one bandit left behind by his fleeing accomplices. Residents had raised alarms earlier about the bandits’ mass movement to government officials in Minna. However, no timely response came.

“We alerted our contact in Minna after spotting the bandits gathering in Kusasu before the attacks,” a local source said.

“They stayed in the bush for over five hours before launching the assault. Everyone saw them, but they were too many and riding motorcycles.”

Government vows stronger action after niger bandit attack

Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maj-Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd), confirmed awareness of the incident but said he was awaiting a full report.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, were unsuccessful.

Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication, Jonathan Vatsa, condemned the attacks. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protect lives and property in Niger State.

“Despite the measures taken by the state government, these enemies, with the help of local informants, continue to attack innocent villagers. But we will not relent in our efforts to secure our people,” Vatsa said.