The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces and intelligence support from the Department of State Services have reportedly neutralized at least 45 bandits.
The criminals were neutralized in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The military action was launched in response to months of violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the region by heavily armed bandit groups who have continued to destabilize communities and threaten lives in north-central Nigeria.
According to military sources, the operation was based on precise intelligence gathered by the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, allowing the forces to intercept and engage the criminal elements in their hideouts.
A fierce firefight ensued, leading to the elimination of dozens of bandits, while others fled with injuries.
Residents of Shiroro, who have long lived in fear, expressed both relief and cautious optimism.
“We’ve buried too many of our people,” said one elder in Kuchi village.
“If this operation truly weakens the bandits, then maybe we can start to sleep with both eyes closed again.”
However, some villagers also urged the government to follow up the operation with a lasting security presence, saying past gains had been temporary without long-term protection and local development.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson from the Nigerian Army commended the bravery and coordination of the troops and hybrid operatives, noting that this was part of a larger offensive to restore peace in Niger State and across the North-Central zone.
Security analysts say that the use of hybrid forces—comprising local vigilantes and trained irregulars—combined with state intelligence, is proving increasingly effective in hard-to-reach and volatile terrain.
The Shiroro area, located near the borders of Kaduna and Zamfara states, has been one of the epicenters of armed banditry in Nigeria, with reports of frequent abductions, ransom demands, and mass displacements.
Thousands of families have fled their homes in recent years, seeking safety in urban centers or internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
As the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to combat insecurity, citizens are hoping for not just military victories, but sustained peace, rehabilitation for affected communities, and justice for victims of past violence.