Niger Village: Troops and Vigilantes Eliminate Bandits After Intense Shootout

On Monday, in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigerian forces engaged in a heavy-gun battle with bandits at Dare Biyu hamlet, close to Beri, while collaborating with local vigilantes.

Zagazola Makama, a security expert, posted an update on X on Monday night, stating that the gunfight, which lasted from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., resulted in the deaths of multiple bandits.
Naziru Lawal was shot and is being treated at Beri Hospital, while Yusuf Dan Basi and Bello Shagari, two vigilante members, were killed in the clash.

Makama said that after encountering fierce opposition, the robbers were compelled to back off after initially encircling the soldiers and vigilantes.

Residents in the vicinity were reportedly protected while the squad removed their casualties.

In spite of the challenging terrain and enemy encirclement strategies, Makama said, “Our troops managed to stabilize the situation, secure civilian withdrawal routes, and prevent wider escalation.”

Motorcycles were reportedly used by the bandits to increase their numbers and exchange riders in order to avoid being pursued.

They may be a part of a larger network that operates in Niger State’s Mariga, Kontagora, Magama, Rijau, and Mashegu regions.