DSS, Nigerian Army neutralize 50 bandits, rescue victims in Niger

In what has been described as one of the most decisive blows against banditry in Niger State, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army successfully neutralized more than 50 armed bandits and rescued several kidnapped victims in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

The joint operation was launched after no fewer than 300 heavily armed bandits attacked a DSS service asset camp in the area. Despite the attackers’ overwhelming numbers and sophisticated weapons, security forces repelled the assault, dealing a crushing defeat to the criminal gang.

Sources disclosed that the operation not only neutralized dozens of fighters but also restored confidence among locals who had been living in fear of recurring raids. The rescued victims are now receiving medical attention and support.

Authorities say the success underscores the importance of coordinated security efforts in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against banditry and violent crimes, especially in rural communities vulnerable to attacks.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the bandits stormed Kumbashi around 3pm, aiming to overrun the DSS facility. However, the operatives fought back valiantly in a prolonged gun battle that left at least 50 of the attackers dead, while dozens of others fled with severe gunshot wounds.

Residents described scenes of panic as the assailants, visibly shaken by their losses, attempted to carry away the remains of their fallen comrades.

According to witnesses, the bandits were seen dismembering corpses, packing them in sacks, and evacuating them on motorcycles.

The security forces also secured the release of seven kidnapped victims and recovered rustled cattle from the criminals during the operation.

Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly and representative of Mariga constituency, praised the security operatives for their courage.

“This operation is a demonstration of superior intelligence, training, and firepower,” he said. “My constituents confirmed that if not for the bravery of our operatives, Kumbashi would have been wiped out. They stood firm against hundreds of bandits and emerged victorious.”

The Speaker’s commendation comes just days after another significant breakthrough by the DSS in Wawa, Niger State, where operatives captured Abubakar Abba, leader of Mahmuda, one of the country’s most feared terror groups.

Locals expressed relief that the joint forces managed to repel the heavily armed invaders despite being outnumbered nearly six to one.

A community elder, who spoke to this newspaper said: “If the operatives had faltered, Kumbashi would have been history. Their bravery saved our people.”

Sarkin-Daji called on citizens to continue supporting the security agencies with timely intelligence, stressing that community collaboration remained key to defeating banditry.

He further assured that the Assembly would provide legislative backing to strengthen security interventions across the state.

(Zagazola)