The Nigerian Army has confirmed death of 17 soldiers after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Niger State.
According to Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col Apolonia Anele, the soldiers were killed while trying to stop over 300 bandits who attempted to attack Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area.
Lt. Col Anele explained that the incident happened in Kwanar Dutse Forest, where troops, supported by the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, engaged the attackers in a fierce shootout that lasted over three hours.
"Their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce fire-fight that lasted over three hours" she said.
The wounded soldiers have reportedly been taken to a military hospital for treatment and are in stable condition.
The army spokesperson added that the terrorists were planning coordinated attacks on nearby communities or looking for a safe place to escape military operations in Zamfara State.
She said the troops successfully disrupted their movement, and following the ground assault, the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on the terrorists' withdrawal routes, inflicting heavy damage.
"Sequel to the ground engagement by 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," Lt. Col Anele said.
The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition" she added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyede, expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and ordered medical teams to provide the best possible care for the injured.
"The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, 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," Lt. Col Anele stated.
"The Chief of Army Staff also directed the military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops.
"The relevant Nigerian Army departments have also been tasked to engage with the families of all our gallant warriors who have undoubtedly performed their duty, most admirably."
She reaffirmed the army's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria, vowing that the army, alongside other security agencies, would continue working to end terrorism and banditry.
"The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to secure all communities and protect the lives and property of all our citizens across the nation," she said. "The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged and the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and of course, the great people of our nation will continue to work tirelessly to see an end to terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality plaguing our society.
Lt. Col Anele also urged the public to support ongoing military operations.
"Members of the public are hereby encouraged to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies by any means possible," she appealed.
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