At the Dare Biyu village, close to Beri, in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigerian army engaged in a heavy-gun battle with bandits on Monday while assisting local vigilantes.
In an update posted on X on Monday night, security analyst Zagazola Makama stated that the firefight, which lasted from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., resulted in the deaths of multiple bandits.
Two vigilantes, Bello Shagari and Yusuf Dan Basi, were killed in the conflict, and Naziru Lawal was shot and is being treated at Beri Hospital.
Makama claims that the bandits first surrounded the soldiers and vigilantes but were compelled to leave after encountering fierce opposition.
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According to reports, the group defended the locals and removed their victims.
“Our troops managed to stabilize the situation, secure civilian withdrawal routes, and prevent wider escalation despite the challenging terrain and enemy encirclement tactics,” Makama wrote.
To avoid being pursued, the thieves reportedly used motorcycles to increase their numbers and switched riders.
They are thought to be a part of a larger network that operates throughout Niger State’s Mariga, Kontagora, Magama, Rijau, and Mashegu regions.
