- These individuals, estimated to be over 300, were escaping from ongoing military operations in Kaduna and parts of Niger state, using a boat they had seized at gunpoint to cross River Kasasu
The Joint Security Taskforce conducted a successful airstrike in River Kusasu within the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday morning, neutralizing more than 50 bandits.
The bandits met their fate while attempting to flee from the combined efforts of security agencies, particularly the military, in communities surrounding Shiroro and Munya local government areas.
These individuals, estimated to be over 300, were escaping from ongoing military operations in Kaduna and parts of Niger state, using a boat they had seized at gunpoint to cross River Kasasu.
The joint security taskforce launched an airstrike resulting in the elimination of approximately 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries and some managed to escape unharmed during the operation, according to sources from the community.
They said that those who escaped crossed over to communities around Tsohon Kabula, Beni, and Gidan wire. Upon spotting the bandits, members of the communities fled for their safety.
Recall that the villagers recently returned to Tsohon Kabula and surrounding villages after many months of living in Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) Camps in Sarkin Pawa following the restoration of peace in the areas.
According to a resident, Yonana Bulus, the gunmen have taken over abandoned homes and food barns left by the fleeing villagers. Some of the bandits allegedly stationed themselves at strategic locations, awaiting the arrival of the Joint Security Taskforce men and local vigilantes.
Personnel of the Joint Security Taskforce stationed at Mangoro village, a route used by the gunmen to launch attacks on communities around Sarkin Pawa in Munya LG, are combing the bush in search of the fleeing criminals.