At least 17 soldiers have been killed after bandits attack military bases in Niger State’s Mariga Local Government Area.
The violent assault occurred early Tuesday when armed men stormed military camps in Kwanan Duse and Gulbin Boka towns.
Over 200 bandits reportedly rode motorcycles into the barracks, engaging soldiers in gunfire that lasted nearly four intense hours.
Initial reports claimed 20 troops were killed, but the military later confirmed the death of 17 brave soldiers.
The troops were ambushed by gunmen believed to have entered the area from Zamfara through the Shadadi forest.
Local sources say the attackers looted shops, rustled cattle, and aimed to dislodge military presence from the affected communities.
The bandits attack military bases in what seems like a coordinated operation to reclaim access into previously secured territories.
Soldiers at the Kwanan Duse camp fought gallantly, buying time before reinforcements from Kontagora were mobilized to assist.
Unfortunately, before backup arrived, the attackers had moved to launch a second assault on the Gulbin Boka base.
Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, said 10 injured soldiers are receiving treatment and are currently in stable condition.
The military confirmed that several of the attackers were killed during the counterassault, though no exact number was given.
In response, troops and vigilantes have launched a pursuit into Gulbin Boka forest, believed to be the bandits’ hideout.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, announced plans to deploy 800 special forces to strengthen operations in crisis zones.
This tragic bandits attack military bases incident underscores the ongoing threat armed groups pose in Nigeria’s rural northern regions.
Security officials vow continued operations to dismantle these networks and restore peace across Niger State and surrounding conflict-prone areas.
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