Many feared dead as terrorists, bandits clash in Niger

Heavy fighting has reportedly broken out between suspected Lakurawa fighters and armed bandits in the Tapkin Giyayya axis of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed this in a report on his official X handle, said both sides recorded casualties.

He said the clash began after a group of armed bandits allegedly moved from forests in Zamfara State through the Tudun Magaji area into the Mashegu Forest.

Residents said several fighters were reportedly killed during the confrontation, while others were seen fleeing the area with gunshot wounds.

The exact number of casualties could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.