No fewer than 17 soldiers were killed in a fierce battle against terrorists in Niger state who attempted to make an incursion into Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area on June 24, 2025.
Ag. Director Army Public Relations, Lt-Col, Appolonia Anele in a statement issued Wednesday said the troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force foiled the attack when they engaged about 300 terrorists.
He noted: “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.
“Sequel to 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.
“Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.”
Anele stressed that further operation was ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists.
“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury,” he said.
Anele added that the wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.