In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, troops of the Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully foiled an attempted terrorist incursion into Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The daring operation, carried out on Monday, June 24, 2025, was based on credible intelligence that hundreds of armed terrorists were mobilizing through Kwanar Dutse Forest under the cover of darkness. According to the Nigerian Army, the insurgents—estimated to be around 300 in number—were either planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or seeking refuge after fleeing intensified military operations in Zamfara State.
In response, Nigerian Army troops swiftly mobilized and intercepted the terrorists in the forest, engaging them in a fierce gun battle that lasted over three hours. Despite the numerical advantage of the insurgents, the troops held their ground and disrupted the planned incursion.
Following the ground engagement, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ retreat routes. The bombardment delivered significant blows to the enemy’s positions, inflicting heavy casualties and scattering their ranks. Though the exact number of terrorist casualties could not be immediately confirmed, multiple blood trails observed along their escape routes suggest substantial losses.
However, the operation came at a heavy price. Seventeen soldiers of the Nigerian Army paid the supreme price during the battle, and ten others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured personnel were promptly evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment and reported to be in stable condition.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, expressed profound grief over the loss of the gallant soldiers. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and directed that all necessary support be provided to them.
“These brave men gave their lives in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten,” the Army Chief said. “We owe it to them to continue this fight with renewed commitment until every community is safe.”
Lieutenant General Oluyede also assured that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, and other security agencies, will not relent in its mission to rid the country of terrorism, banditry, and all forms of criminality.
He reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering resolve to secure all communities, emphasizing that the “sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged.”
The Army called on members of the public to continue supporting the military by providing timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations.
Further clearance operations are ongoing in the affected forest areas to ensure that no remnants of the fleeing terrorists regroup or pose future threats to civilian populations.
The Nigerian Armed Forces reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives, territorial integrity, and peace across the country, while honoring the memory and bravery of those who gave their lives in the service of the nation.
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