IED ‘planted for troops’ kills eight bandits in Niger state

At least eight suspected bandits have been killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) along Lukope road in Shiroro LGA of Niger state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the incident occurred at about 8:30pm on Friday along the Kurebe–Kushaka axis, a known corridor for armed groups operating within the forest belt.

Citing sources, the publication said the IED, suspected to have been planted by the bandits to target advancing troops, detonated when members of the group accidentally rode over it while moving on motorcycles.

“The explosion occurred as the bandits were transiting the route, leading to the instant death of about eight of them and injuries to several others,” Makama quoted a source as saying.

It said the bandits were said to be loyal to Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader, and were reportedly heading towards the Lukope area.

Makama noted that troops of operation Fansan Yamma, sector 1, responded swiftly to the scene and intensified patrols to prevent further security breaches.

The publication added that the incident has heightened tension among residents of Kushaka, Kurebe, Gbato and neighbouring communities over fears of possible reprisal attacks.