Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force have successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by terrorists into Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Nigerian Army spokeswoman, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the operation, carried out on 24 June 2025, was based on credible intelligence and 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”, she said.
However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
Following 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, she stated, adding that “further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists”.
Regrettably, during the encounter, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price 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 in stable condition.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country, and also directed the military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops, even as relevant Nigerian Army departments have also been tasked to engage with the families of all gallant warriors who have undoubtedly performed their duty, most admirably.
Anele assured that the NA remains resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect the lives and property of all 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.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies by any means possible”, Anele stated.
