Seven members of a local vigilante group were killed on Saturday after armed bandits stormed a security camp in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack took place at Matseri Camp in Kotonkoro District, where the volunteers were stationed. According to security expert Bakatsine, who shared details on X, the assailants came from the Sangeko area of neighbouring Zamfara State and launched a surprise assault on the camp.
The vigilantes reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Sources said they fought back and succeeded in killing several of the bandits before being overwhelmed by the superior firepower.
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The incident is the latest in a string of attacks across parts of Niger and Zamfara States, where armed groups have continued to target communities and security personnel with little resistance.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official statement confirming the attack or casualty figures.
The killings add to growing concerns over the safety of local security volunteers who have been at the forefront of defending rural communities against banditry in North Central Nigeria.
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