Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the Department of State Services, DSS, at the weekend decimated a large number of bandits at Iburu village in Shiroro local government of Niger State.
Security sources disclosed that the DSS, on intercepting intelligence that the terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing Iburu and neighbouring villages, quickly alerted soldiers on standby.
A gunfight ensued with the troops killing at least 45 terrorists. The sources quoted the villagers as saying 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 sources added that two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside soldiers lost their lives, while four others are presently receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at an hospital in Minna.
Credible News recalls that In April, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi had raised the alarm over terrorist activities around the Babanna border in Niger State.
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The Customs boss said his men were lucky to have survived an ambush by the terrorists who were angered by the seizure of 500 jerrycans of petrol smugglers were set to deliver to them.
Meanwhile, suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network ambushed the convoy of Dr. Kingsley Achigbu, Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, killing a security escort and injuring three others.
Zagazola Makama reports that the attack occurred at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday along the Okigwe–Owerri highway near Oniumo River.
The convoy, which included two police officers Inspector Uwem Samuel and Inspector Obinna Egege was escorting Achigbu and family members back to Owerri when the attackers opened fire on their vehicle, a Toyota Hilux belonging to FMC Owerri.
It was gathered that the Commissioner of Police in Imo, CP Aboki Danjuma, swiftly deployed tactical rescue teams in collaboration with troops from the Military Forward Operating Base, Okigwe to the scene.
The injured officers were evacuated to FMC Owerri, where one of the escorts was confirmed dead, while the others were reported to be in stable condition.
There was no loss of arms or ammunition during the incident. The Director’s wife and daughter were unhurt, though the civilian driver of the vehicle remains missing.
Security operatives have launched a manhunt for the attackers and are combing the surrounding areas to locate the missing driver.
Crediblenewsng.com
