17 soldiers killed as troops repel terrorist attack in Niger state

The Nigerian Army says 17 soldiers were killed during an operation to repel a terrorist incursion in Bangi community, Mariga LGA of Niger state.

Appolonia Anele, acting director of army public relations, said in a statement on Wednesday that the attack occurred on Monday.

Anele said the troops engaged about 300 armed bandits moving through Kwanar Dutse forest towards Kwatankoro in a fierce gun battle.

She noted that the operation was based on “credible intelligence” and carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.

The army spokesperson said troops engaged the insurgents in a firefight that lasted over three hours before the air force launched precision airstrikes on their escape routes.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.

“Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses. Further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists.”

She added that 10 soldiers sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a military hospital.

Oluwafemi Oluyede, chief of army staff, extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and directed that the wounded receive the best possible medical care.

He also tasked relevant military departments to support the affected families.

The army reiterated its commitment to securing lives and property, urging members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies.