According to Nigerian media reports, on March 31, local time, about 200 armed bandits attacked a military base in Niger State in north-central parts of the country. Six Nigerian soldiers and one policeman were killed in the attack. Before leaving the military base, militants set fire to the base, and then launched an attack on nearby residential communities, killing seven people and abducting several civilians.
On April 2, the Governor of Niger State, Abubacar Bello, issued a statement confirming the authenticity of the attack and condemning the attacks by armed bandits on military police and civilians. Bello said the military did not intend to abandon military bases in the area, urging residents of nearby communities to stay calm without panic. “At this time, security personnel are temporarily withdrawing to re-establish their strategy, not to leave or abandon nearby communities,” Bello assured in the statement.
