15 bandits and one soldier have been killed in a gun battle in Niger.
Gatekeepers News reports that not less than fifteen bandits and a military officer have been allegedly killed in a gun duel between the Nigerian Army and armed bandits in Anguwan Mallam, Kontagora local government area of Niger State, North-central Nigeria.
According to reports, the incident occurred about 4 pm on Saturday when military men on patrol of the area sighted the bandits in Anguwan Mallam some few kilometres from Kontagora town.
Eyewitness accounts stated that upon sighting the bandits on their motorcycles, the soldiers engaged them in a fierce fight, resulting in the death of many bandits and a military officer.
A source at the area revealed that over 70 bandits were in Anguwan Mallam for an attack but the presence of the military saved the community.
The source said, “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”
“But many were killed, we discovered dead bodies even today in the morning in the bush. We found their sleeping kits and other materials belonging to them.”
According to the source, the bandits escaped through the bush after it appeared that the military men had overpowered them.
As at the time of filing this report, efforts to get a reaction from the state Police Command has proven abortive.
