Troops, vigilantes kill several bandits during fierce gun battle in Niger village
Nigerian troops working with local vigilantes on Monday clashed with bandits in a heavy gun battle at Dare Biyu village, near Beri in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama shared the update in a post on X on Monday night, saying several bandits were killed during the firefight, which lasted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Two vigilante members, identified as Yusuf Dan Basi and Bello Shagari, lost their lives in the encounter, while another, Naziru Lawal, sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at Beri Hospital.
According to Makama, the bandits initially surrounded the troops and vigilantes but were forced to retreat after facing strong resistance.
The team reportedly evacuated their casualties and protected nearby residents.
“Despite the difficult terrain and enemy encirclement tactics, our troops were able to stabilize the situation, secure withdrawal routes for civilians and prevent wider escalation,” Makama wrote. .
The bandits were said to have reinforced their numbers using motorcycles and switched riders to evade pursuit.
They are believed to be part of a wider network operating across Mariga, Kontagora, Magama, Rijau, and Mashegu areas of Niger State.