Just in: Terrorists kill 11 security personnel, abduct Chinese miners in Niger

Terrorists have killed at about 20 people including 11 security personnel comprising some soldiers and police  and abducted some Chinese at a mining community in the Erena district of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The mining said to belong to some influential Nigerians is being managed by some Chinese.

The terrorists reportedly invaded the village riding on motorcycles and armed with AK – 47 rifles.

Niger State Government has  confirmed the development, saying two Chinese nationals, among others, were kidnapped.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, a joint security team engaged the terrorists, “and there were yet to be determined number of casualties from both sides.
“Security forces mobilised reinforcement for the manhunt of the remaining terrorists as some of them were neutralized and rescue of the injured victims including security personnel that sustained various degrees of injuries have been taken to a government medical facility in the state for treatment.

“While the Niger State Government commiserates with the heads of security agencies in the state and the families of the slain personnel, the state government assures that their sacrifices will not go in vain.”

It also stated tat the state government acknowledged all the efforts of the joint security operatives and that of the communities in the State towards taming the spate of insecurity in some parts of the state, “hence, security personnel are enjoined not to be discouraged in discharging their sacred duties of protecting citizens against all forms of threats as government will continue to be steadfast in providing them with the needed support in all ramifications.

“His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello, the Governor of Niger State, has therefore directed that the security agencies should go all out to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims and make sure that none of the terrorists escape.”