Nigerian Military Confirms 17 Soldiers Killed in Forest Clash with Bandits

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the deaths of 17 soldiers and injuries to 10 others during a major military operation against armed bandits in Niger State.

Army spokesperson Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele stated that the clash occurred after troops, acting on credible intelligence, engaged approximately 300 armed bandits within the Kwanan Dutse Forest on Tuesday. The military response utilized both ground troops and air support.

According to Anele, intelligence indicated the bandits were attempting a night-time movement towards Kwatankoro Forest. She stated they were reportedly planning attacks on surrounding communities or seeking refuge to evade ongoing military operations in neighboring Zamfara State.

“Their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours,” Anele said.

Following the ground engagement, the Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting the bandits’ withdrawal routes. Anele reported “precision” strikes and “accurate heavy bombardments” on identified locations.

While the exact number of bandit casualties remains unconfirmed, Anele stated that “multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.”

“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury,” Anele confirmed. She added that the wounded personnel are receiving treatment at a military medical facility and are in stable condition.

Anele stated that operations are ongoing to fully assess the impact on the bandit group. She urged the public to continue supporting counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies.

The attack drew strong condemnation from Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly. Sarkindaji described the killings as “barbaric, wicked and inhumane.”

“I received the news of the killing of these promising young officers with a heavy heart, who have kept my constituency safe for a long time now,” Sarkindaji said. He stated the attack on two military camps in the Mariga Local Government Area represented “a significant setback” and placed his “entire constituency under siege.”

Sarkindaji asserted that attackers often enter Niger State from neighboring states to carry out assaults. He called on the military to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, emphasizing that “they must not escape accountability for their nefarious actions.”