Bandits Kill 30 Security Volunteers in Niger, Sack Military Camp, Attack Emir in Zamfara

Suspected insurgents of the Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād, also known as Boko Haram, on Thursday drove out security operatives at the military base at Allawa town, Shiroro council Local area of Niger State.

Following the development, residents of the area fled to avoid being kidnapped or killed.

The incident took place at about 1:30 am when the armed attackers swooped on the community on motorcycles. Described by sources as a reprissal mission, it came on the heels of last week's killing of about 50 of insurgents by the military.

Witnesses say some of the attackers, who came in their number, stormed the Allawa military camp and sacked soldiers on duty while others invaded the town itself shooting sporadically in all direction.

They were said to have raided households for cash, foodstuffs and other valuables.

The number of casualty, on the side of the military, bandits and residents is yet to be ascertained.

“There was a fierce battle between the insurgents and the military and it was around 1:30 am. It lasted for some hours.

“Because it was midnight, the number of casualties could not be ascertained,” a eyewitness said.

Also on Thursday, suspected bandits attacked the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Mohammed Bunu. However, he was whisked away to the state capital, Gusau, by security agents.