Bloodshed In The Barracks: Terrorists Launch Surprise Ambush, Nigerian Army Mourns Fallen Heroes

Bandits attacked a military base in Mariga LGA of Niger State on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday, confirmed that its troops had repelled coordinated attacks by bandits on forward operating bases in Niger and Kaduna States, resulting in the elimination of numerous assailants through combined ground and air operations.

According to the statement, the assaults occurred on June 24, 2025, and involved three separate strikes targeting military positions in Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka in Niger State, as well as Aungwan Turai in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“In response to the multi-pronged attacks, ground troops and air support units carried out multiple counter-offensives that neutralized dozens of the attackers,” the Army noted.

Reports indicate that the assault on the Kwanar Dutse base led to the death of at least 20 soldiers and left several others wounded. Although the Army did not officially disclose its casualties, it confirmed that four officers sustained gunshot injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

“Regrettably, some brave soldiers lost their lives during the day-long battle, while four wounded personnel are currently undergoing treatment for their injuries,” the statement added.

Efforts to obtain further comments from Army spokesperson Onyechi Anele were unsuccessful, as she promised to respond but had not done so as of press time.

Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, Abdullahi Garba, also remained unavailable for comment regarding the incident.

The ambush occurred just hours after gunmen killed approximately 15 civilians in Tofa village, located in the Magami district of Gusau LGA, Zamfara State. That same day, a deadly clash between security forces and members of the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji’s gang near Cida village in Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State resulted in at least 100 fatalities.

The military has not yet released statements on the attacks in Zamfara and Sokoto.

Though no group has claimed responsibility for the Niger ambush, the affected area is known to be influenced by the gang led by Dogo Gide, alongside remnants of the late Ali Kawaje’s network.

Niger State, like many other conflict-affected regions in northern Nigeria, frequently endures violent attacks from armed factions, including a Boko Haram cell reportedly led by Mallam Sadiku. These groups target civilians, security personnel, and miners, while also engaging in kidnappings, cattle rustling, and sexual violence.