metro

Bandits suffer heavy casualties in Niger community gun battle

Published

9 months ago

June 3, 2025

Bandits suffer heavy casualties in Niger community gun battle

No fewer than 32 bandits were on Monday evening killed in Kuchi community in Munya local government area of the Niger state in what the villagers said was the biggest successes recorded by the joint security taskforce in the ongoing war against bandits in the state.

The bandits who invaded the community at about 4;15pm on Monday in about 40 motorcycles were ambushed in a nearby bush about five kilometers to Kuchi town by the joint security taskforce code named “special hunters’ that are providing security within Munya and parts of shiroro local government areas of the state.

According to reliable source close to the community, after about three hours of gun battle which lasted till 7;45pm, only ten out of the 40 motorcycles were able to escape and with bullets injuries.

It was gathered that three members of the security taskforce however lost their lives and their bodies have been deposited at a government facilities in Minna, the state capital.

Our source stated further that the bodies of the bandits were left in the bush, even as he disclosed that motorcycles and undisclosed number of weapons used by the bandits were recovered from the battle ground.

It was further gathered that the joint security taskforce over powered the bandits due to the reinforcement from its camp in Galkogo midway into the battle which described as “real war”.

“The special hunters put up a brilliant fight against the bandits unlike last week when they (members of the taskforce) abandoned its camp due to the large of bandits that invaded them. Their effort is highly commendable.

“Although they lost three of their members due to excessive bleeding from gunshot injuries, I can tell you that the battle was a huge success. They took the fight to the bandits unlike before when the bandits will just invade them unaware”, our said.

READ ALSO:

It could be recalled that the bandits on Wednesday last week raided three communities in the same Munya local government area and unleashed terror on the people, dispossessed them of their valuables including cash worth over N20 million.

Shops were looted across the three communities of Zagzaga, Chibani and Kuchi and about 250 cattle were stolen by the gunmen who operated freely without any resistance. One person was killed and three young boys were abducted to help them escort the stolen cows.

Two of the boys were said to have later escaped when the bandits had stopped midway into the journey to share the stolen cows among themselves. He has since reunited with his family in Zagzaga community.

Meanwhile in another development, the communities that were raided by bandits last week have debunked claims by the military that scores of bandits were neutralized during the attack, saying that no single bullet was fired at the bandits whom they said had a field day.

Some of the villagers who narrated how the bandits operated on Wednesday last week, acknowledged that the military actually past through Sarkin pawa reroute from the Kaduna state with about 16 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) on that Wednesday, they never engaged the bandits.

“They (Army) came through Mangoro village from Kaduna state on the day with about 16 vehicles and they even stopped at Mangoro and called the head of the special hunters, popularly referred to as Pastor and interacted with him in their camp at Mangoro before proceeding to Sarkin pawa and they didn’t even stop at Sarkin pawa.

“They continue their journey towards Minna, in fact on their way, the learnt that the bandits were in Chibani town and they stopped and started blowing siren and later they proceeded. Even the bandits were in the bush in Chibani when the Army passed through the town and the villagers saw them (bandits) but were afraid to raised alarm.

“It was from Chibani that they (bandits) proceeded to Kuchi community where they burnt down the camp of the special hunters on that Wednesday. They (special hunters) even abandoned their camp that day because the bandits were many in numbers”, our source added.

The communities said it was surprising to hear that scores of the bandits were neutralized when the Army and the DSS engaged the bandits in a gun battle, adding that “honestly the communities were not aware of any battle between the Army and the bandits on the Wednesday.

“But yesterday we all saw how the special hunters battled the bandits to a standstill. We saw their efforts and it is highly commendable, the reinforcement from Galkogo really helps them against the bandits”, our source added.

It could be recalled that the Army in statement in Abuja said that a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military in Niger State resulted in the dislodgment of scores of heavily armed bandits believed to be loyal to terrorist kingpins, Dogo Gide and Leyi.

The statement claimed that the operation began on Tuesday when the terrorists stormed Chibani village, Munya Local Government area of the state, and that the bandits reportedly killed one Ayuba Isah and left two other persons, a policeman and one Alhaji Shuaibu, with gunshot wounds.

According to the Army, on Wednesday, bandits said to be numbering over 200, brandishing sophisticated weapons, stormed a security base in Kuchi, a town in Munya local government area, and that the fierce battle that ensued let to the neutralizing of scores of the bandits, with many others fleeing with various degree of injuries.

According to the Army, the fierce gun battle that ensued led to the neutralising of scores of the bandits, with many others fleeing with various degree of injuries.

The statement further added that re-enforcement from Galadima Kogo to Kuchi as a major factor that helped weaken the bandits.

Bandits suffer heavy casualties in Niger community gun battle

Related Topics:Bandits casualties Featured gun battle

Up Next

Simon Ekpa sues former ally Ngozie Orabueze, alleges database hijack

Don't Miss

‘Why Tinubu dropped El Rufai from ministerial appointment’

metro

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

Published

11 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to produce Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, an Islamic cleric accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government, before the court on February 18, 2026. The order follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed on behalf of the cleric challenging the legality of his detention.

Justice Peter Lifu emphasised that in a democratic society, all security and intelligence agencies are subordinate to civil authority, noting that every citizen is entitled to protection under Sections 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution. He also reminded authorities that Nigeria’s commitments to international human rights conventions require strict adherence to lawful detention procedures.

READ ALSO:

The suit, filed by Sheikh Zaria’s legal team led by Sunusi Musa (SAN), Abdul Aliyu (SAN), and Mohammed Sheriff, names the DIA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Jaiz Bank Plc as respondents. The lawyers are seeking either the cleric’s release or an explanation for his continued detention.

During Thursday’s hearing, DIA counsel I.O. Odom Esq informed the court that the cleric was being held on behalf of the Defence Headquarters, but could not provide a valid detention order. The EFCC’s counsel, M.C. Odimbaiwe Esq, supported this position. Justice Lifu adjourned the matter and set February 18 for the DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria or justify his detention, warning that failure to do so could influence the outcome of the rights enforcement case.

Family sources linked Sheikh Zaria’s detention to an ₦2 million gift sent to the cleric’s account by an adherent connected to a suspect in the broader coup allegation. Since December 11, 2025, the cleric has reportedly been held in “safe custody” without access to family or associates, prompting his lawyers to argue that his fundamental rights have been violated.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about civil liberties, human rights, and lawful detention in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile national security investigations. The court’s ruling will be closely watched as it addresses the balance between state security and individual rights.

Court Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18

metro

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Published

11 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to engage in constructive dialogue with the Federal Government following the formal end of the controversial Monday sit‑at‑home directive across the South‑East region.

In a statement issued on Friday by his legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho applauded Kanu for suspending the weekly protest, which had disrupted economic and social activities in the region for over five years. The directive, first introduced in August 2021, led to periodic shutdowns of markets, offices, schools, and transport services, severely affecting local businesses and daily life.

Describing the suspension as a “thoughtful and necessary” step, Igboho noted that ending the sit‑at‑home signals a shift toward constructive engagement and could help restore stability and economic normalcy in the South‑East. He said the move represents the conclusion of a five-year period of economic disruption that has hampered growth and development in the region.

READ ALSO:

Beyond applauding the abolition of the civil disobedience measure, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a conciliatory approach, opening channels for mediation and negotiation with the Federal Government. He emphasised that sustained dialogue could help break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal battle and potentially pave the way for a political resolution to longstanding grievances.

Igboho also warned that those who profit from the destabilisation and violence in the South‑East should desist, highlighting the importance of peace for the economic recovery and prosperity of the region and the nation at large.

“This is a critical moment for the South‑East. True progress depends on dialogue, compromise, and the willingness of all parties to engage constructively,” the statement read. Igboho’s remarks reflect a growing call among activists and stakeholders for peaceful resolution and collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

The end of the Monday sit‑at‑home has been welcomed by several civil society groups and business leaders, who view it as a key step toward restoring normalcy, resuming commerce, and promoting social cohesion in the South‑East.

End of Weekly Shutdown: Igboho Advocates Negotiation to Resolve Kanu’s Legal Battle

metro

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

Published

12 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

The suspects were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media where they were seen cleaning mucus from their noses using N500 Naira notes

EFCC Nabs Three in Borno Over Viral ₦500 Naira Mutilation Video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspects in Maiduguri, Borno State, over alleged naira mutilation following a viral social media video showing them misusing the Nigerian currency.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects — Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad, and Bashir Musa — were apprehended by operatives of the EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate.

READ ALSO:

According to the commission, the trio was seen in a widely circulated video cleaning mucus from their noses using ₦500 naira notes, an act described as abuse and defacement of the national currency.

The statement said the suspects were traced and arrested within the Maiduguri metropolis shortly after the video surfaced online and triggered public reactions.

They are currently being held at the EFCC’s Maiduguri detention facility while investigations continue. The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, abuse, defacement, spraying, or improper handling of the naira constitutes an offence punishable under Nigerian law. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cases involving naira abuse and currency mutilation across the country.

The latest arrest underscores the agency’s renewed enforcement drive aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.