The Nigerian Army has revealed that about 300 armed bandits were involved in an attack that led to the death of 17 soldiers and injuries to 10 others in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, the Army said the incident occurred during a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the statement, troops engaged the bandits in a fierce three-hour firefight in Kwanar Dutse Forest, following credible intelligence about a planned movement of terrorists toward Kwatankoro Forest.
The terrorists, according to the army, were believed to be either planning attacks on nearby communities or fleeing from intensified operations in Zamfara State.
It said that following the ground engagement by the Nigerian Army troops, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering accurate heavy bombardments on identified terrorists’ locations.
It said, “The operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led to troops engaging about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
“The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara State.
“However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.”
The Army said that although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.
Further operations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists, the Army said.
It said, “Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury. The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great country, Nigeria.
“The Chief of Army Staff also directed the military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops. The relevant Nigerian Army departments have also been tasked to engage with the families of all our gallant warriors who have undoubtedly performed their duty, most admirably.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect the lives and property of all our citizens across the nation. The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged and the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and of course, the great people of our nation will continue to work tirelessly to see an end to terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality plaguing our society.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies by any means possible.”
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that around 20 soldiers were killed earlier in the day when armed bandits launched a deadly attack on a military camp near Bangi, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Leave a Reply