Military repels 300 terrorists in Niger, suffers 17 casualties

By Kunle Sanni –

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, on Monday repelled a large-scale terrorist attack in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, in an operation that left 17 soldiers dead and 10 others injured.

A statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the joint operation was based on credible intelligence about the movement of around 300 armed terrorists through Kwanar Dutse Forest towards Kwatankoro Forest, believed to be a staging ground or hideout following military pressure in Zamfara State.

The soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce three-hour firefight, successfully disrupting their movement and preventing an attack on nearby communities. The Nigerian Air Force later launched precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, inflicting heavy damage.

While the exact number of terrorist casualties is yet to be confirmed, the Army reported discovering multiple blood trails along escape routes, indicating significant enemy losses. Follow-up operations are ongoing to assess the full impact of the assault.

Despite the success, the Army confirmed the loss of 17 soldiers, with 10 others wounded and receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, describing them as “brave and gallant warriors” who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria. He also ordered that the injured receive the best medical care and that support be provided to bereaved families.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect lives and property. The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged. We will not relent until all threats are neutralized,” the statement read.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that community cooperation is vital to winning the war against terrorism and criminality.