An officer and eight soldiers of the Nigerian Army as well as two Airmen of the Nigeria Air Force have lost their livesin a gun battle withsome gun runners and armed bandits in Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages of Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. Additionally, one soldier was declared missing while two of their colleagues were seriously wounded. The troops also killed eight of the armed bandits and arrested 57 others. They also recovered large quantity of arms and ammunition.

Troops of 31 Artillery Brigade, 1 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Nigeria Air Force detachment on Internal SecurityOperation MESA, went on quick cordon and search in the affected areas to recover suspected weapon cache and arrest the suspected persons and the armed bandits, following covert surveillance and intelligence reports on the activities ofthe bandits.

A statement issuedon Saturdayand signed byActing Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman,read:“Contrary tostatements attributed to some questionable vested interests, the troops were on legitimate official duty aimed at safeguarding lives and property of citizens in the area.”

The Army explained that “While approaching and deploying to carry out their lawful duty,the troops came undersimultaneousand sporadic shootings in all the three locations. They however, responded as necessary in line with the rules of engagement.

“The suspected gun runners and armed bandits also burnt down four operational vehicles and vandalized two others.Bandits also carted away four AK-47 rifles and one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle belonging to the deceased soldiers.

The troops also killed eight of the armed bandits and arrested 57 others. They also recovered large quantity of arms and ammunition.

“The recovered items include; three AK-47 rifles, 10 Local AK-47 rifles, nine locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (Special ammunition), 45 loaded Dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as20 daggers.

Other items recovered include 31 Axes, 63 rounds of 7.62 (Special) Ammunition, 10 Bajaj Motorcycles, assorted charms and amulets, two vehicles, 38 mobile telephone handsets, a wristwatch, five identity cards, passport photographs, cash sum of N23, 870, five Japanese Yen and 35 different denominations ofold Nigerian currency, 15 catapults, eight torch lights, two gun powder bottles, four empty cases of ammunition and 41 cartridges. The troops also seized a military waist belt and a pair of military combat boots.

“It is important to stress that the nefarious activities of the gun runners and the armed bandits has direct bearing with the influx of weapons and general insecurity in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory and the North West geo-political zone of the country. The same gun runners have been confirmed to be the suppliers of arms to armed robbery gangs that were involved in series of armed robbery attacks along Minna-Bida road and the general environment.

“Although the situation is under control, the military will not rest on its oars until all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.

“The military will continue to deal with any violent threat to our national security. All law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their lawful duties as the cordon and search operation continues in the general area and if necessary expand to other identified areas to keep our people safe.”

•Photo shows Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin.