Over 50 Armed Bandits Shot Dead in Joint Operation Coordinated by Police Operatives

About 50 bandits have been killed in a joint operation by Army, Police and Vigilante operatives in Taraba State.

The bandits were terrorizing communities in Bali Local Government Area of the state.

The operation unfolded in Tonti village, situated in Maihula District of the council, according to Taraba State Police Command’s spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi.

The police spokesperson, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the command will not relent until all hoodlums were chased out of the state.

He said the command received intelligence regarding an invasion by a significant number of unknown gunmen, suspected to be bandits, during the early hours of November 28, 2023.

The assailants, numbering over a hundred, targeted Tonti village during Muslim morning prayers, causing widespread panic.

“Responding swiftly, the Commissioner ordered the deployment of a Tactical team from Bali Division, collaborating with the Army, Vigilante, and hunters. The joint team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle upon reaching the village.

“During the intense exchange of gunfire, security operatives showcased exceptional firepower, resulting in the neutralization of over 50 bandits. Some of the assailants managed to escape with injuries,” the spokesperson said.

The police spokesperson added that several hideouts of the bandits were dismantled during the operation.