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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian Army has announced that 17 soldiers were killed in a recent terrorist attack on a military base in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
This confirmation follows earlier online reports of the ambush, which indicated a higher casualty count.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt Col Appolonia Anele stated that approximately 300 heavily armed terrorists from the Kwanar Dutse Forest carried out the surprise attack.
“Based on credible intelligence, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce three-hour gun battle, successfully disrupting their movement toward Kwatankoro Forest, where they were believed to be planning coordinated attacks or seeking refuge from ongoing operations in Zamfara State,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Air Force supported the ground troops by conducting precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ escape routes, inflicting significant casualties, the statement added.
While the precise number of enemy fighters killed is unknown, Anele noted 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,” the Army spokesperson added. The injured soldiers have been moved to a military medical facility and are reported to be in stable condition.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, commending their sacrifice for the nation. He also ensured that the wounded soldiers would receive the best possible medical care.