Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, and hybrid forces, have killed no fewer than 45 terrorists in a coordinated operation in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The operation, launched based on intelligence, thwarted an attempted attack on residents of the village.
According to a statement released by the DSS on Monday, security forces engaged the terrorists following a tip-off that they were advancing towards the village on motorcycles with the intention to wreak havoc.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army and hybrid forces, backed by intelligence support from the DSS on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, killed no less than 45 bandits terrorising the area,” the statement read.
The DSS further disclosed that the intelligence unit had received reports about the planned attack and swiftly notified soldiers on alert.
“The DSS on receiving intelligence that the terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing to attack Iburu and neighbouring villages, quickly alerted soldiers on standby.”
“A gunfight ensued with the troops killing at least 45 terrorists. The villagers said they counted at least 40 dead bodies believed to be those of the bandits. They also counted dozens of the bandits’ motorcycles destroyed during the gunfight,” it added.
Despite the success of the operation, it came at a cost. Two members of the hybrid forces lost their lives, while four others sustained serious gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a public hospital in the state capital.
“Two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside soldiers lost their lives, while four others were said to be receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries at a public hospital in the state capital,” the DSS stated.
The swift response by the Army and DSS has been widely commended by locals, who said the intervention prevented what could have been a massacre.
