TheCable

Security operatives in Niger have killed a gunman, identified as the “leader of a group of bandits”, in the state.

A source close to security operatives, who witnessed the incident, confirmed the development to TheCable on Tuesday.

The security operatives — comprising officers of the Niger police command and local vigilantes — were said to have clashed with the gunmen in Kotangora LGA of the state.

Several other suspected bandits were also said to have been killed in the operation, which took place on Monday.

The gunmen were said to be moving between Gulbin Boka and Dogon Fadama communities in Kotangora LGA, when they ran into an ambush near a river in one of the communities.

According to the source in the community who spoke on the incident, the gunmen were on their way to abduct some residents when they clashed with the security operatives.

Jauro Daji, the man identified as the leader of the suspected bandits, was said to have masterminded many attacks in communities across Niger state.

Security operatives are also said to be “working with local divers within the community to recover weapons thrown into the river” by the suspected bandits.

Wasiu Abiodun, Niger police spokesperson, was not immediately available to officially comment on the development.