Niger: Bandits overpower security operatives, kill 10, including police officer

At least 10 people, including a mobile police officer and a local vigilante, have been killed in a deadly attack by bandits in Mangoro community, located in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Residents who spoke to Daily Trust revealed that Mangoro and nearby communities have been under the control of the armed criminals since Tuesday, following a violent confrontation in which the bandits overpowered a joint security team made up of police officers and vigilantes.

In addition to the fatalities, several others—including members of the local vigilante group—sustained gunshot injuries, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

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One of the residents who didn’t want his name mentioned said the vigilantes and police tried their best but could not contain the firepower of the bandits whom he said were in a large number and armed with sophisticated weapons.

“Four people including one mobile police, one vigilante and two farmers lost their lives. The Vigilantes and police truly confronted them but they overpowered them. In fact, the vigilantes ran out of ammunition and had to run. Our Vigilantes truly need support from authorities, especially those in the Mangoro community, because that is their regular route”, he said.

Another source said no fewer than 13 lives including vigilantes were lost; many others including the Vigilantes sustained bullet injuries.

He said bandits also destroyed telecommunication masts, disrupting communication.

The Chairman, Mariga LGA, Abbas Adamu Kasuwan-Garba, confirmed the attacks but did not confirm the casualties.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he was going to verify and revert but he had not done so as of the time of filing the report.