Three Policemen and two local vigilantes were allegedly killed by gunmen in an attack in Kwanan Dutse, Mariga local government area of the Niger State on Monday.

The incident occurred during a routine patrol by the Joint Security TaskForce, made up of the police and the local vigilantes at about 4pm in the area

It was learnt that the Joint Security team had earlier on Sunday morning foiled an attack by another group of bandits after about two hours of fire exchange at Bari village, along Tegina-Kontagora road.

A source from the area said no casualty was recorded during the fierce fight between the two sides only for the bandits to return on Monday to block the Kontagora road around Kwanan Dutse.