The police in Niger State repelled a bandit attack on Nasko in the state’s Magama Local Government Area.
DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the state spokesman, stated on Sunday that scores of bandits had been neutralized, a huge herd of cattle had been recovered, and 20 abducted victims had been released.
He said that on Saturday, robbers and terrorists raided some villages near Nasko in Magama and rustled a big quantity of animals.
He added that the police sent for reinforcement and military operatives and vigilantes joined in combing the area.
He explained that a two-hour fierce gun battle later ensued on the Ibeto cattle route which the hoodlums were trying to escape with the cattle.
Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 magazine with 30 rounds of live ammunition, seven telephone handsets and one Honda motorcycle.
The spokesman solicited the cooperation of residents in ridding the state of banditry and other crimes.