25-6-2025
The Nigerian Army said Wednesday that its troops have engaged terrorists in a three-hour gun battle in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, troops foiled a deadly attack by terrorists in Niger State and engaged the criminals in a fierce battle. 17 soldiers were confirmed dead, and several terrorists were also eliminated in the encounter which occurred on Tuesday.
“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 Local Government Area of Niger State on 24 June 2025,” said Lt. Colonel Anele in a statement.
“The operation, which was based on credible intelligence, 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. However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
“Sequel to 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. 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,” the statement said.
The acting Army spokesperson conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, to the families of the lost soldiers.