The Niger State Government has said that over 200 armed bandits were killed in the state during a gun battle between members of the Joint Security Taskforce and the terrorists in the last four days.

The state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Emmanuel Umar made this known while briefing newsmen in Minna.

He noted that all the leaders of the four terrorist/bandit groups that confronted the joint State Security Taskforce were killed.

Naming them as Ali Kawajo, Yello Jan Bros, Kachalla Halilu and Bello Tunji, the commissioner said : “A total of 60 motorcycles were recovered and a lot of cattle were also returned to their owners. We are not ignorant that bandits may regroup; we will neutralize them on any side they may take.

“We need cooperation of the traditional rulers, communities, the security personnel and even the media. This is one fight for all. We recorded this success through collective efforts of all”.

While appreciating the gallantry of the Joint Security Taskforce, the commissioner however revealed that two security personnel lost their lives in the fight against the bandits.