Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Nigerian Army have eliminated over 50 bandits and rescued several kidnapped victims during an operation in Kumbashi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The joint operation was launched on Tuesday after about 300 armed men attempted to storm the community and attack a DSS base in the area. Security forces engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw after suffering heavy losses. Many of the attackers reportedly fled with gunshot injuries.

Seven kidnapped victims were freed, while rustled cattle were also recovered in the operation.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, praised the security forces for their efforts, describing the success as a significant breakthrough in the battle against banditry.

This development comes shortly after DSS operatives captured Abubakar Abba, the leader of Mahmuda, a notorious terror gang, in Wawa, Niger State.

Residents of Kumbashi expressed relief, saying the latest operation has renewed their confidence in security agencies’ ability to reclaim areas plagued by bandit attacks.