Seventeen Nigerian soldiers have died following a fierce gunfight with suspected bandits in the Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The clash erupted late Tuesday around 11 p.m. after intelligence reports revealed that armed bandits were advancing towards Bangi — an area notorious for kidnappings and cattle rustling.
Local sources reported that soldiers ambushed the bandits as they attempted to infiltrate the community via a familiar route, resulting in an hours-long exchange of gunfire.
Mariga Local Government Chairman, Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the attack occurred in two locations: Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana near Bangi late at night, and earlier that evening around 5 p.m. in Gulunbi Boka. He disclosed that 17 soldiers’ bodies had been recovered and deposited at the Nigerian Army Barracks in Kontagora.
Search-and-rescue operations continued on Wednesday, led by security personnel and local vigilantes.
“Several of the bandits were neutralised, but our primary concern remains the safety of residents,” Garba stated. He praised the swift aerial intervention from the Nigerian Air Force and urged increased public vigilance.
As of press time, the Niger State Government had yet to issue an official statement.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army confirmed the casualties through a statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele. According to the Army, the joint military operation disrupted the movement of approximately 300 armed bandits through Kwanar Dutse Forest.
“The firefight lasted over three hours,” the Army said. “Seventeen gallant soldiers paid the supreme price, and ten others sustained injuries but are in stable condition and receiving treatment.”
The military added that the bandits were likely attempting to flee ongoing operations in Zamfara State or regroup to launch fresh attacks.