In a harrowing account of one of the deadliest ambushes in recent times, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that over 300 heavily armed terrorists launched a brazen and coordinated assault on troops in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the death of 17 gallant soldiers and leaving 10 others seriously injured.
The attack occurred on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, during a joint counter-terrorism operation between ground forces and the Nigerian Air Force, aimed at intercepting a suspected movement of terrorists toward Kwatankoro Forest — a known bandit haven.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military detailed how troops were alerted through credible intelligence of a large armed group advancing through Kwanar Dutse Forest — a rugged and dangerous terrain in Niger State. What followed was a ferocious three-hour firefight that pushed the Nigerian forces to their operational limits.
> “The criminals had attempted a nighttime transit toward Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or seeking refuge from heightened military pressure in Zamfara State,” the Army disclosed.
The encounter quickly escalated into a pitched battle, with the Nigerian Army bravely engaging the insurgents on the ground, while the Nigerian Air Force executed precision airstrikes on the bandits’ withdrawal routes, delivering punishing blows with heavy bombardments on identified terrorist locations.
While the Army could not provide an exact enemy body count, blood trails and abandoned equipment along the terrorists’ escape paths strongly suggest that the attackers suffered heavy and possibly irreparable losses.
> “Despite our tactical success, we deeply regret the loss of 17 courageous soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of our nation. Additionally, 10 of our personnel sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility. They are all in stable condition,” the statement added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and assured the nation that the Nigerian Army will not rest until those responsible are hunted down and brought to justice.
He further directed that the best medical care be provided to the injured and ordered that welfare and support services be extended to the families of the deceased.
> “The Nigerian Army remains unshaken in its resolve to safeguard every inch of our territory. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and all relevant security agencies to dismantle every enclave of terrorism, banditry, and criminality,” the Army assured.
Nigerians have been urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting security operations by supplying credible and timely intelligence to assist in counter-terror efforts.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters earlier reported that approximately 20 soldiers were feared dead in a separate but likely connected attack on a military base near Bangi, also in Mariga LGA, sparking speculation that the onslaught may have been a larger coordinated strike designed to destabilize the region.
This brutal assault highlights the escalating security challenge in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, raising urgent questions about the proliferation of armed groups and the need for renewed strategic intervention at the highest levels of government.
As the dust settles on the Kwanar Dutse encounter, the Nigerian Army has vowed that the blood of its heroes will not be spilled in vain.
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