Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, have thwarted an attempted incursion by terrorists into Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, on 24 June 2025.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, revealed that the operation, which was based on credible intelligence, led to troops engaging approximately 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
According to the statement, the criminals had attempted a night-time movement towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or seeking refuge to evade pressure from ongoing military operations in Zamfara State.
However, their movements and plans were decisively disrupted by troops, who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
Following the ground engagement, the Nigerian Air Force executed precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering heavy bombardments on identified enemy locations.
Although the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed, multiple blood trails found along the escape paths suggest significant enemy losses. Further operations are 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. The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are currently in stable condition.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
He also directed military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops and tasked relevant Nigerian Army departments to engage with the families of all gallant soldiers involved in the operation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect the lives and property of all our citizens across the nation. The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged, and the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies, and of course, the great people of our nation, will continue to work tirelessly to see an end to terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality plaguing our society,” she stated.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to continue supporting the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies by any means possible,” she added.
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