Around 300 suspected bandits on motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons, were spotted crossing the Kontagora–Minna highway between Kampanin Bobby and Wamba in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred in the afternoon and prompted motorists and travellers to seek safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits, believed to be coming from Zamfara State, moved freely towards Mashegu Local Government Area without encountering security operatives.
A driver noted the absence of security presence during the incident.
The chairman of Mariga Local Government, Abbas Kasuwa Garba, when contacted, confirmed the incident and revealed that joint security teams have been dispatched to the area to protect the communities.
He also disclosed that two vigilantes from Wamba who confronted the bandits were killed, and one injured person is undergoing treatment.
It was further gathered that military officers stationed at Beri camp have been mobilised to confront the criminals.
Efforts to reach the state police command through the Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, were not successful as of the time of filing this report.
