In a tragic and deeply unsettling development, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the deaths of 17 gallant soldiers following a coordinated terrorist attack on its military base in Bangi community, located in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The fatal encounter occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Nigerian troops in recent times. SaharaReporters had earlier exclusively reported that at least 20 soldiers were feared killed when heavily armed terrorists, suspected to be bandits, stormed the base and unleashed chaos after a fierce gun battle.
According to an official statement released on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the operation was initially based on credible intelligence that terrorists were converging in Kwanar Dutse Forest. The information prompted a rapid deployment of troops who engaged an estimated 300 bandits in a grueling three-hour firefight.
“The criminals attempted a night-time movement towards Kwatankoro Forest, likely to coordinate further attacks on surrounding communities or escape the intense heat of ongoing military operations in Zamfara State,” Anele stated. “Our troops intercepted and fiercely engaged them, disrupting their plans and forcing a withdrawal.”
In the aftermath of the ground assault, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets were swiftly deployed to carry out precision airstrikes along the terrorists’ retreat routes. The bombardments reportedly struck multiple targets, inflicting what the Army described as “significant enemy losses.” While the exact number of terrorists neutralized remains unconfirmed, multiple blood trails and abandoned gear along escape paths suggest devastating damage was inflicted on the enemy.
Despite the intensity and bravery of the counteroffensive, the Army suffered heartbreaking losses. Seventeen courageous soldiers paid the ultimate price, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The wounded personnel have been evacuated to military medical facilities, where they are said to be in stable condition and receiving top-level care.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has extended his profound condolences to the families of the fallen heroes. He also assured that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure the nation and will not allow such atrocities to weaken its resolve.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men who laid down their lives in service to our great nation. We honor their sacrifice, and we shall not relent until the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice,” he said.
This latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent and bandit groups operating across the northern regions of Nigeria. It also raises urgent concerns about the safety of both military personnel and civilians, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.
The Army has vowed to intensify its counterterrorism efforts and is currently conducting follow-up operations to root out any remnants of the terrorist group responsible for the ambush.
As the nation mourns its fallen heroes, questions linger about how such a large group of terrorists was able to mobilize and launch a brazen attack on a military installation. What is clear, however, is that Nigeria’s security architecture continues to face critical tests — and the sacrifices of its soldiers demand a renewed commitment to defending the nation at all costs.
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