The vigilante men also killed three of the bandits in the process.
Disturbed by the incessant attacks, Dukku community mobilised to take the battle to the bandits, who were said to be in the Iri forest.
It was gathered that the plan to attack the bandits leaked, resulting in the bandits ambushing the men of the vigilante group in the forest and killing 17.
The vigilantes reportedly killed three of the bandits.
The Chairman of Rijau Local Government Area, Bawa Bello, when contacted on the telephone confirmed the incident.