Army loses 17 soldiers after killing scores of bandits in ‘failed’ Niger state attack

Troops

The Nigerian Army disclosed on Wednesday that its troops on anti-banditry operations in Niger State have neutralized scores of terrorists in a failed attack on Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of the state.Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, who made this known, said that the troops, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, engaged bandits numbering over 300 in Kwanar Dutse Forest.

“Sadly, 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 in stable condition.

Lt. Col Anele said the bandits 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.

“However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce fire-fight that lasted over three hours.

Her statement said, “Sequel to the ground engagement by 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.

“Further operation is 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 in stable condition.