The Nigerian Army says scores of security operatives, including soldiers and police, were killed by bandits during an attack in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
This was confirmed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Friday.
According to reports, at least 43 people, including 30 soldiers and seven mobile police personnel and civilians were killed when the armed men stormed the Gold mining site.
They also abducted several Chinese nationals.
Confirming the attack, Nwachukwu some bandits were also gunned down during the attack.
“Sadly, a number of personnel paid the supreme price in the fierce firefight that ensued.
“Subsequently, the location has been reinforced and troops are on the trail of the criminals with some already neutralized.
“The GOC 1 Division has moved to the location to take charge of the follow up operations”, the statement added.