Troops of the Nigerian Army, in joint operations with the Department of State Services and hybrid forces, neutralized several terrorists during a gun battle in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation followed a tip-off about an impending attack on residents of Iburu village by the armed group.
According to a DSS statement released on Monday, the terrorists were spotted advancing toward the village on motorcycles before the intervention of the security forces and foiled the planned assault.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the DSS on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, killed no less than 45 bandits terrorising the area.
“The DSS on receiving intelligence that the terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing to attack Iburu and neighbouring villages, quickly alerted soldiers on standby.
“A gunfight ensued with the troops killing at least 45 terrorists. The villagers said they counted at least 40 dead bodies believed to be those of the bandits. They also counted dozens of the bandits’ motorcycles destroyed during the gunfight,” the statement read.
However, two members of the hybrid forces lost their lives in the operation, while four others who sustained gunshot injuries are currently receiving treatment at a public hospital in the state capital.
“Two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside soldiers lost their lives, while four others were said to be receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries at a public hospital in the state capital,” it added.
