The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army (NA) have eliminated more than 50 bandits and also rescued kidnapped victims in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, the incident occurred on August 26 where about 300 bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, attempted to target a DSS asset camp in the area; however, the assault was repelled, and analysts are regarding it as one of the most successful security operations in recent times.
Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, noted that the operation was “a demonstration of superior intelligence, training, and firepower” and further commended the operatives for their bravery, adding that 7 kidnapped victims were freed and rustled cattle were also recovered.
Hon. Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga constituency in the Assembly, further said, “My constituents confirmed that the bandits, clearly shaken by the scale of their losses, were seen dismembering the corpses of their dead colleagues, loading them in sacks, and hauling them off on motorcycles.”
A local source in Kumbashi said the operatives were outnumbered nearly six to one, yet repelled the bandits, which the source noted was very commendable.
Recall an earlier breakthrough recorded by the DSS in Wawa, Niger State, where its operatives apprehended Abubakar Abba, the leader of one of Nigeria’s most notorious terror groups, known as Mahumda.
Experts have noted that the recent synergy between the DSS and the military is an intelligence-led strategy necessary to dismantle terrorists and bandits across the nation.