The Nigerian Army has shut down its camp in Zagzaga community, Munya Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State after another attack by bandits.
The Army has also launched a Search and Rescue operation with the support of the community youths for one soldier who was declared missing in the wake of the attack.
The new moves came after bandits, numbering about 60, invaded the Army camp early Wednesday, engaging the soldiers in prolonged gun battle.
Sources said that the bandits suffered heavy casualties but no soldier was wounded in the attack, except the missing one.
Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ibrahim Matene, who spoke on the Army’s move, called it a “tactical withdrawal.”
But hours after the soldiers moved out, the emboldened bandits launched coordinated attacks on Zagzaga, Zhani, Guni and Maraban Daudu communities in the area, with about 15 people reportedly abducted in the night attacks.
This forced residents of the communities to flee to neighbouring villages, leaving only the youths and some men behind.
The source said the 15 people were abducted from Boddo village in the early hours of Thursday during the invasion.
Secretary to the State Government, Matene, said the military camp was being closed temporarily for tactical reasons, stressing that the Army has being stationed in the community for the past five years due to the notorious nature of the area.
He disclosed that Zagzaga community and other surrounding villages have remained entry and exit routes for the bandits before the soldiers were brought and stationed there.
The Niger State government scribe added that the people have enjoyed a steady peace for the past five years that the military were there.
This story first appeared in Daily Trust