15 bandits, 1 soldier killed in gunfight with troops

At least 15 armed bandits have been killed in a gun battle with troops on Saturday in Anguwan Mallam in Kontagora, Niger state.

A military officer was also killed in the gunfight, Daily Trust has learnt.

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Sources in the area narrated that the incident occurred on Saturday evening around 4pm when the bandits were sighted by troops on patrol at Anguwan Mallam, near Kontagora town.

They reported discovering dead bodies in the bush, alongside sleeping kits belonging to the bandits.

A resident told Daily Trust the troops engaged the bandits in a firefight, leading to the death of a number of bandits and a soldier.

The sources added that the bandits numbering over 70 were in the area, but the presence of the military saved the community from being attack on Saturday evening..

“The presence of the military was what saved our community from the Bandits. They came in their number on motorcycles and the people became scared because we don’t have what it takes to face them,” the source said.

“But many were killed, we discovered dead bodies even today in the morning in the bush. We found their sleeping kits and some other valuable materials and others belonging to them,” he said.

The bandits were said to have escaped through the bushes as soldiers overpowered them.

Police is yet to react to the incident.