No fewer than four armed militiamen were killed by the Nigerian troops at Ningi local government area of Bauchi State on Saturday.
Nine others were arrested.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, made the disclosure in a statement he issued on Sunday.
He said the troops of 33 Artillery Brigade of Operation “Lafiya Dole” were on patrol when the group which had gathered at Burra Junction in Ningi fired at them.
The troops responded, killing and arresting some of them.
A soldier was however wounded and had since been taken to the hospital where he is said to be recovering well.
Chukwu also reported that some weapons and motorcycles were recovered from the group.
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The statement reads in part:
“Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing operation Lafia Dole, on March 17 at about 12:30 p.m. encountered members of a militia group, massing up at Burra Junction in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
“The militiamen on sighting the troops, opened fire on them while the troops reacted immediately by engaging them.
“At the end of the encounter, four militias were killed, troops recovered five dane guns; 38 motorcycles, nine bicycles and nine militiamen arrested.
“One soldier, who sustained gunshot wounds is stable, having been evacuated to the hospital and receiving treatment.’’
