Niger Gets Another Military Brigade to Tackle Insecurity

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Following increase in bandits attacks in parts of Niger state another military Brigade has been established in the state.

The 18 Brigade will be located in the Niger North senatorial zone to take care of local governments in the area especially those local government areas where bandits have held sway in the last couple of months.

The establishment of the 18 Brigade has therefore, brought to two the number of such military units in the area after the 31 Brigade.

THISDAY was told that a combined operation by the military and Air force personnel have successfully dislodged bandits from Rafi and Mariga local government areas of the state where they have killed, injured and abducted many residents.

“A large number of the bandits were neutralised while many of the cattle rustled by the gunmen were recovered” the source a highly placed government official, told THISDAY.

 The official, however, said that the bandits have taken over Akere village after sacking the villagers  in an incident that occurred on Monday.

It was learnt that efforts are already being made by the security forces to dislodge the gunmen from the town.

The Permanent Secretary, Security, Alhaji Tariq Abdulrahim when contacted confirmed that “security  is being strengthened in parts of the state to enable people live normal lives”.

Abdulrahim appreciated the security forces for being diligent in their assignments saying “we should understand that they have to strategies before going for any counter attack.”

Saying that  reports of recent rampage by bandits in some parts of the state have been blown out of proportion Abdulrahim added that “the bandits operated with superior fire power to that of our local vigilance” which was why the vigilance could not counter them.