The police and the Niger government says 200 bandits were killed by the Joint Security Task Force.

Police commissioner Bala Kuryas disclosed on Wednesday in Minna that many bandits were eliminated by the force “in the last few days.”

“We also recovered several motorcycles and cows during the operations. We have put in place sensitive security measures that will deal with any unforeseen circumstances in our area of supervisions,” Mr Kuryas. “All we require from members of the general public is vital information that could aid our men on ground to deal with any form of security threats.”

Meanwhile, the Niger government said 200 bandits were killed by the joint task force in the last three days in different parts of the state.

Emmanuel Umaru, chairman of the Joint Security Task Force and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday.

Mr Umaru added that several bandits were killed at Kundu village in Rafi local government.

“We are making progress in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal elements in our state. The exchange of fire between the gunmen and the Joint Security Task Force and vigilante outfits led to the killing of several bandits,” he explained. “We also recovered over 100 motorcycles and cows in the last three days in Rafi, Wushishi and Mashegu local government areas.”

He explained that most of the cows seized were handed over to the rightful owners.

The commissioner regretted that two security operatives died during the gunfire.

According to him, police tactical squad and the military were deployed to areas where the bandits operate.

“Our goal is to track down the criminals. We appeal to residents to assist security personnel with reliable information that could aid in apprehending miscreants,” he further stated. “The security measures already in place across the 25 local government areas will make it difficult for bandit’s to operate.” 

(NAN)