At Dare Biyu hamlet, close to Beri in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigerian forces engaged in a heavy-gun battle with bandits on Monday while collaborating with local vigilantes.
In a post on X on Monday night, security analyst Zagazola Makama provided an update, stating that the gunfight, which lasted from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., resulted in the deaths of multiple robbers.
The confrontation claimed the lives of two vigilante members, Bello Shagari and Yusuf Dan Basi, while Naziru Lawal was shot and is currently being treated at Beri Hospital.
Makama said that the bandits first encircled the soldiers and vigilantes but were compelled to leave after encountering fierce opposition.
According to reports, the crew safeguarded the locals and removed their victims.
“Our troops were able to stabilize the situation, secure civilian withdrawal routes, and prevent wider escalation despite the challenging terrain and enemy encirclement tactics,” Makama stated.
According to reports, the robbers used motorbikes to increase their numbers and switched riders in order to avoid being pursued.
They are thought to be a component of a larger network that operates throughout Niger State’s Mariga, Kontagora, Magama, Rijau, and Mashegu regions.
