Nigerian Army Confirms Terrorist Attack on Niger State Base, 17 Soldiers Killed

The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during a terrorist attack on its base in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday. This comes a day after Nigeria News 247 exclusively reported the incident, noting that up to 20 soldiers may have been killed when heavily armed bandits overran the camp.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Army acknowledged the deadly assault and detailed the events that unfolded during the confrontation.

According to the Army spokesperson, the operation was launched based on credible intelligence indicating the movement of about 300 bandits through Kwanar Dutse Forest. The bandits were reportedly en route to Kwatankoro Forest, either to coordinate attacks on surrounding communities or to seek refuge from ongoing military pressure in neighboring Zamfara State.

“The criminals had attempted a night-time transit… However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours,” Anele stated.

She noted that following the ground engagement, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes. These air raids reportedly inflicted heavy losses, with “multiple blood trails along their escape routes” suggesting significant casualties among the attackers, although the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Despite the successful disruption of the terrorist movement, the Army suffered considerable losses. Seventeen soldiers were killed in action, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The wounded have been evacuated to military medical facilities and are reported to be in stable condition.

Lt. Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and directed medical teams to provide the highest standard of care to the injured personnel.

“Our gallant troops paid the supreme price defending our nation. Their bravery will never be forgotten,” Lt. Col. Anele said.

Earlier reports by Nigeria News 247 indicated that the terrorists had launched a surprise attack on the military base, resulting in a prolonged and intense gun battle. The camp was briefly overrun, leaving several soldiers dead and others wounded before reinforcements and aerial support turned the tide.

The Nigerian military says further operations are ongoing in the area to assess the full scale of the enemy’s losses and to prevent any resurgence of terrorist activity in the region.