Six Nigerian soldiers and a civilian hunter were killed on Friday night by bandits who ambushed them in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

Local sources report that the soldiers were responding to a distress call from Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities when they were attacked. An army captain, identified as Adamu, was also abducted during the ambush. There are conflicting reports on whether Captain Adamu was subsequently killed.

Residents say the attack began around 9pm and lasted for several hours. The heavily armed bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, reportedly shot indiscriminately and burned houses, food banks, and motorcycles.

Niger State's Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier-General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident and vowed to apprehend the attackers. He also stated that the government would support the families of the victims. (ILKHA)