By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Tactical teams of the Department of State Services (DSS) backed by the Nigerian Military has killed no fewer than 45 bandits in a stealth operation around Kuchi town in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
The raid, carried out with surgical precision, reportedly foils a planned large-scale assault by notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide and his loyalists.
In a statement, the DSS confirms it tracks the movement of over 100 armed bandits advancing from Zamfara and Kaduna States to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in the area.
Acting swiftly, operatives ambush the attackers on the outskirts of Kuchi town, leading to a fierce gunfight that leaves many dead and others injured.
The operation also leads to the recovery of sophisticated weapons and motorcycles. However, five DSS operatives sustain serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
The statement adds that the operation forms part of renewed covert offensives targeting Dogo Gide’s strongholds, which in recent months remain under sustained pressure from security forces.
This latest blow, following the decimation of over 50 fighters in an earlier raid, signals a significant loss of territory and morale among bandit groups operating in the region.
The success brings relief to residents of Munya LGA, who have long suffered under the siege of banditry.
Community leaders express hope that the ongoing momentum in security operations, driven by improved intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, will be sustained to ensure lasting peace in the area.
