Troops Foil Massive Bandit Invasion in Kebbi, Neutralize Dozens
By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi
The troops of the Nigerian Army, 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, have successfully repelled a bandit attack on Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The gallant troops had not only repelled the attack, but they also neutralised a large number of bandits during the attack, while many of them escaped with gunshot wounds.
The Director of Security, Alhaji Abdulrahman Zagga, confirmed the development in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Zagga commended the bravery and resilience of the Nigerian Army for successfully repelling the attack aimed at unleashing terror on innocent villagers in the area.
He recalled that the attempted assault occurred on Wednesday, where over 400 armed bandits who sought to overrun the area were successfully repelled.
“A fierce gun battle ensued between the troops and the bandits, resulting in the elimination of many of the bandits; while some of the assailants managed to retrieve the corpses of their fallen comrades, others were left behind along with a cache of recovered weapons.”
Although the large number of bandits initially posed a serious threat, the superior combat skills and determination of the troops turned the tide in their favour,” he noted.
The director also acknowledged the quick intervention of the Nigerian Air Force, whose fighter jet provided critical air support, bombing fleeing bandits and inflicting heavy casualties.
“Though the gunfire caused initial panic and confusion within the community, the situation has since been brought under control, and normalcy has been fully restored.”
The bandits were suspected to be the same group that recently launched an attack in Niger State, who crossed into Kebbi to carry out another attack.
“To God Almighty be the glory; the attack was ultimately foiled, an outcome that highlights the effectiveness of the proactive security measures put in place by Gov. Nasir Idris,” he said.
The director added that, in a separate incident on the same day, troops from Dukku Barracks also repelled an attack by Lakurawa bandits in Mera, Augie Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the bandits reportedly attempted to rustle cattle but were met with strong resistance from the Nigerian Army, forcing them to retreat.
He explained further that Gov. Nasir Idris appreciated the effort of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the state for curbing the criminals.
