300 Bandits Behind Deadly Niger Attack That Claimed 17 Soldiers — Nigerian Army
 |
300 Bandits Behind Deadly Niger Attack That Claimed 17 Soldiers — Nigerian Army |
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that approximately 300 armed bandits were involved in the brutal ambush that led to the deaths of 17 soldiers and left 10 others injured in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the incident occurred during a coordinated operation involving both ground troops and the Nigerian Air Force.
The Army explained that the joint forces engaged the heavily armed assailants in an intense three-hour gun battle in Kwanar Dutse Forest. The confrontation followed credible intelligence reports indicating a planned movement of terrorists toward Kwatankoro Forest.
The attackers were believed to be either staging coordinated assaults on nearby communities or fleeing from sustained military pressure in Zamfara State.
“Informed by actionable intelligence, troops intercepted about 300 armed bandits attempting a nighttime passage toward Kwatankoro Forest,” the statement read.
“The criminals’ movement was swiftly intercepted and disrupted by troops, who engaged them in a fierce firefight that raged for over three hours.”
Following the ground battle, the Nigerian Air Force launched precision airstrikes on the terrorists' escape routes, targeting and bombarding known enemy locations with deadly accuracy.
While the exact number of enemy casualties remains uncertain, the Army reported discovering multiple blood trails along the bandits' retreat paths—indications of heavy losses suffered by the attackers.
“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the Army said. “The wounded have since been evacuated to a military medical facility and are reported to be in stable condition.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, lauding them as national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s peace and security.
He also directed military medical teams to provide the highest standard of care for the injured personnel, and tasked relevant Army departments with engaging and supporting the families of the affected soldiers.
“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguard communities and defend the lives and property of all citizens,” the statement continued. “Our nation’s freedom is non-negotiable. Alongside the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies—as well as the support of patriotic Nigerians—we will continue the relentless fight against terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality.”
The Army urged the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations by promptly reporting suspicious activity to security agencies through any available channels.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters earlier reported that roughly 20 soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a separate deadly assault on a military base near Bangi, also in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
.jpeg)
Leave Comments
Post a Comment