Nigeria, July 9 -- Suspected bandits have killed about 13 people, including security operatives, and injured many others in a raid on three communities in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to reports from the area, the attacks occurred on Tuesday around 4 p.m. when a large number of heavily armed men rode on about 100 motorcycles into the area.

The bandits, who rode three on a bike, were believed to be from Zamfara State.

The three communities they raided were identified as Kumbashi, Bangi and Mongoro.

Those reportedly killed include a mobile police officer and two vigilantes.

A witness told journalists in Minna, that the armed men also blew off a communication mast in the area.

He added that the bandits wer...