IED Meant for Troops Kills Eight Suspected Bandits in Niger’s Shiroro, Sparks Tension
By ThankGod Inalegwu
No fewer than eight suspected bandits have been killed following the detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along Lukope Road in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on March 20 along the Kurebe–Kushaka axis, a notorious corridor for armed groups operating within the forest belt of the area.
According to the sources, the explosive device was believed to have been planted by the bandits themselves with the intention of targeting advancing security forces. However, it detonated prematurely when members of the group reportedly rode over it on motorcycles while moving through the route.
“The explosion occurred as the bandits were transiting the route, leading to the instant death of about eight of them and injuries to several others,” a security source revealed.
The affected group was said to be loyal to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide and was reportedly heading towards the Lukope area before the tragic incident.
Following the explosion, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 1, swiftly responded to the scene. The troops intensified patrols and surveillance across the axis to prevent further security breaches and track fleeing members of the group.
Despite the development, the incident has heightened anxiety among residents of nearby communities, including Kushaka, Kurebe, and Gbato, who fear possible reprisal attacks by surviving bandits.
Community stakeholders have urged security agencies to reinforce their presence in the affected areas and take proactive steps to reassure residents of their safety.
Sources added that security operatives are maintaining close monitoring of the situation, with increased patrols along vulnerable routes aimed at sustaining stability and preventing escalation.