AT least 17 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives during a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, late yesterday night, June 24, 2025.
The confrontation reportedly began around 11 p.m. following intelligence that armed bandits were advancing toward the community, a hotspot for criminal activity including kidnappings and cattle rustling.
According to local sources, the soldiers had laid an ambush along a known bandit route, triggering an intense firefight that lasted several hours.
The Chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the incident, noting that the attacks occurred in two locations — Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana near Bangi, and Gulunbi Boka earlier that evening around 5 p.m.
Garba disclosed that 17 bodies of fallen soldiers had been recovered and taken to the Nigerian Army barracks in Kontagora, while joint forces and local vigilantes continue search and rescue operations in the surrounding forest areas.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its aerial support and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The Nigerian Army, in an official statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed the death toll and detailed the circumstances of the encounter.
The statement said troops, acting on credible intelligence, confronted about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
The bandits were believed to be attempting to relocate from Zamfara to Kwatankoro Forest in Niger State, possibly to launch further attacks or evade military pressure.
“Troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight that lasted over three hours,” the Army said.
“Unfortunately, 17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price while 10 others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in stable condition.”
As of press time, the Niger State Government had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns about the security situation in northern Nigeria, where banditry and insurgency remain persistent threats.