Bandits on Wednesday morning invaded a military camp in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing over 20 Nigeria soldiers during an exchange of gunfire in Bangi community of Mariga Local Government Area of the state.

Although the actual figures of slain soldiers cannot be ascertained as at press time of filing this report, according to the eyewitness, the Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Hon Abbas Adamu, said both injured and dead soldiers were brought to Kontagora Military Barracks.

The Chairman also disclosed that several suspected bandits were also neutralised during the exchange of gun fire between the duo in Bangi community of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Three days ago, we got the information about the movement of the Bandits coming from Zamfara through their route to Bangi axis and the concern authority were notified, but to our surprise they went to the military Camp at Kwona Dutse and left to Gulbin Boka axis after causing havoc at the military Camp on Tuesday,” the Chairman stated.

The Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, also confirmed that the incident occurred in two separate communities which include; Kwona Dutse closed to Bangi around eleven o’clock in the night and Gulbin Boka around five o’clock in the evening of the same day.

Abbas disclosed that seventeen bodies of soldiers have been retrieved from the forest and deposited at Kontagora barracks as vigilantes and other security operatives are still searching and trailing the criminals.

“We were told that several bandits were neutralised in the process but our concern is the security personnels and commended the efforts of the Air Force in the countering of the criminals and urged the people to report suspected movement to authorities should remain calm as government is doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area,” he said.

As of the time filing this report no official statement has been issued from the military or any security agencies in the state.