17 Soldiers Killed as Nigerian Army Repels Terrorist Infiltration in Niger State

The Nigerian Army has confirmed a deadly clash with terrorists in Niger State’s Mariga LGA, leaving 17 soldiers dead and several others injured in a fierce three-hour battle.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed a high-casualty confrontation with heavily armed terrorists in the Bangi community of Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State. The fierce battle, which erupted on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, resulted in the death of 17 soldiers and left 10 others wounded, marking one of the most intense clashes in recent times.

According to a statement issued Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the confrontation stemmed from an intelligence-led joint operation between ground troops and the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force. The terrorists were reportedly attempting a nocturnal transit through the Kwanar Dutse Forest toward Kwatankoro Forest, a suspected hideout and staging base for future attacks.

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Three-Hour Gun Battle Disrupts Terrorists’ Plans in Bangi

The army reported that about 300 armed bandits, heavily armed and riding on motorcycles, were intercepted by troops as they advanced toward Kwatankoro Forest. What began as a night-time ambush quickly escalated into a violent firefight lasting over three hours. The coordinated operation effectively thwarted the terrorists’ movement and prevented them from establishing a base or launching assaults on nearby communities.

“In a deliberate joint operation, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by terrorists into Bangi community in Mariga LGA of Niger State,” the official statement read.

The ground troops held their position against the insurgents, and as they attempted to withdraw, the Nigerian Air Force launched precision airstrikes on their escape routes. These targeted bombardments reportedly hit several enemy positions, inflicting significant casualties, though the exact number of terrorists killed remains undetermined.

Blood trails scattered across the forest pathways indicate that multiple insurgents may have died or sustained serious injuries as they retreated. Follow-up operations are underway to verify the full impact of the assault and recover any abandoned weaponry or equipment.

Losses and Tribute: Nigerian Army Mourns Fallen Heroes

While the Army succeeded in disrupting the terrorists’ objectives, it came at a heavy cost. Seventeen gallant soldiers lost their lives during the prolonged exchange of gunfire, and ten others sustained varying degrees of injury. The wounded personnel have since been evacuated to a nearby military medical facility, where they are reportedly stable and receiving treatment.

Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He described the fallen soldiers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The Chief of Army Staff… has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great country, Nigeria,” the statement read.

General Oluyede also gave directives for the best possible medical attention to be administered to the wounded soldiers and tasked relevant army departments to provide support and engagement with the affected families.

Army Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Insecurity

Despite the tragic loss, the Nigerian Army emphasized its unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism and other threats to national security. Lt. Col. Anele noted that Tuesday’s operation exemplifies the Army’s proactive posture in counter-terrorism, stating that operations will continue until peace is fully restored across the region.

The Army’s statement underscored ongoing collaboration among military branches, including the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, alongside other security agencies and local vigilante groups. This synergy, they believe, is essential to pushing back the tide of insurgency and banditry in Nigeria’s troubled northern regions.

“The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged,” said the Army spokesperson. “The Nigerian Army… will continue to work tirelessly to see an end to terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality plaguing our society.”

Public Urged to Aid Counter-Terrorism Efforts

In a final appeal, the Nigerian Army called on citizens to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies. Community cooperation, according to the military, remains a vital component in tracking and disrupting terrorist movements, especially in rural areas with difficult terrain.

Residents of Niger State and neighboring communities were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through designated communication lines or trusted security channels.

As investigations and mop-up operations continue in the Bangi area, Tuesday’s confrontation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by armed insurgents in Nigeria’s north-central belt. Yet, it also demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s readiness to respond forcefully and decisively when national security is under threat.