In a major breakthrough against banditry in the North Central, tactical operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, supported by the military, eliminated at least 45 armed bandits in a covert offensive near Kuchi town in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
The precision-led raid, carried out in the early hours of Monday, June 2, was described as a surprise ambush designed to preempt a large-scale attack being coordinated by notorious terror kingpin, Dogo Gide.
It was gathered that the operation successfully thwarted the movement of over 100 heavily armed fighters from Kaduna and Zamfara States who had converged on the area to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities.
Sources disclosed that DSS operatives deployed stealth tactics, including undercover surveillance and ambush strategies, to intercept the bandits on the outskirts of Kuchi town. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of 45 insurgents, with others reportedly fleeing with injuries. Several motorcycles and sophisticated weapons were recovered at the scene.
According to security intelligence, the militants were mobilised from Bilbis forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara and other enclaves in Kaduna State on the invitation of Dogo Gide, who has been losing ground to increasing pressure from security forces in recent months.
“The operatives followed their movement with clear precision and struck before they could attack the villages. This is a major blow to Dogo Gide and his network,” a source said.
Five DSS personnel were wounded during the operation and are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility. The latest offensive is said to be part of a broader campaign by security agencies to dismantle terror cells and reclaim communities under threat.
“This successful ambush comes shortly after the elimination of over 50 bandits in the same axis. The renewed heat on the terrorists is yielding results and we hope these efforts will be sustained.”
The DSS and military authorities are yet to release an official statement on the operation, but community members have expressed relief and hope that the intensified security measures will bring lasting peace to the region. PRNigeria
