Eleven suspected gunmen have been killed in Niger State by the security operatives in Lapai Local Government Area.
Four, sources said, are in custody as they were arrested.
In a statement on Thursday by Israel Ebije, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, soldiers deployed to contain the menace of the attacks on the community are on top of the situation.
The statement read in part: “Eleven out of the 45 bandits terrorizing Aza and Kintako communities in Lapai local Government Area of the state have been killed. Four of them have been captured and are presently with security operatives.
“Members of the bandits in the custody of security operatives will give information about the armed group.”
However, Ebije said the state Government cannot confirm if they are affiliated to the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
He further stated: “The men of the Nigerian Army are doing a very good job in flushing the armed bandits who invaded Aza and Kintako communities in Lapai local Government Area of Niger State.
“We do not know their motive and we also do not know if they are affiliated with Boko Haram. We are however optimistic that those arrested so far will give useful information.”
He further called on the people of the area to go about their normal businesses, adding: “Security operatives are on the trail of the fleeing bandits. They have been pushed very far away from the state. Soldiers are already making arrests and will not relent until every single member of the group is killed or arrested.”
Ebije said the Government of Dr. Aliyu will remain committed to securing lives and properties of people living in the state, adding that the operation against the bandits will be sustained until they are all flushed out of the area.