By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Bandits kill 17 soldiers in Niger State during a fierce gun battle. Nigerian Army confirms casualties and launches special forces to fight back. Full story and updates.
🚨 Bandits Kill 17 Soldiers in Niger State During Coordinated Attack on Military Camps
In a devastating turn of events on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, bandits kill 17 soldiers in Niger State after launching simultaneous assaults on two military camps in Mariga Local Government Area. The coordinated attack began around 9:30 a.m., targeting camps in Kwanan Dutse and Gulbin Boka communities, sparking intense and prolonged gunfire that lasted several hours.
The heavily armed group, estimated to be over 200 in number, arrived on motorcycles from Zamfara State via Shadadi Forest, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Nigerian troops in recent times.
⚠️ Timeline of the Attack: How Bandits Killed 17 Soldiers in Niger State
Local sources confirm that the first wave of attacks began at the Kwanan Dutse military camp, where soldiers were caught in a four-hour crossfire. Chairman Abbas Adamu of Mariga LGA raised an emergency alert to Kontagora military cantonment for reinforcements. However, before backup could arrive, the attackers had shifted to their next target—Gulbin Boka camp.
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The Nigerian military responded swiftly and engaged the insurgents in Gulbin Boka, managing to neutralize an unspecified number of the assailants.
🔴 Confirmed: Bandits Kill 17 Soldiers in Niger State – Army Statement
The Nigerian Army, through Lieutenant-Colonel Apolonia Anele, confirmed the loss of 17 gallant soldiers, while 10 others sustained injuries. Those wounded have been transported to a military hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
“The troops, alongside the Air Component of the Nigerian Air Force, engaged over 300 armed bandits. Sadly, 17 brave soldiers paid the ultimate price,” – Lt. Col. Apolonia Anele.
The military also confirmed the recovery of all 17 bodies from nearby bushland, with ongoing search efforts to secure the area.
💡 Strategic Analysis: Why Bandits Killed 17 Soldiers in Niger State
According to security analysts and local leadership, the goal of the attack may have been to forcefully dislodge the military presence in the region. Chairman Abbas Adamu noted that the presence of the military in these camps had significantly reduced previous bandit incursions.
The attackers looted shops in Gulbin Boka, stole livestock, and sought to destabilize local security infrastructure. Interestingly, no kidnappings were reported in this incident, indicating a shift in bandit strategy from abductions to territorial dominance.
🚀 Military’s Counter-Offensive: Special Forces Deployed After Bandits Kill 17 Soldiers in Niger State
In response to the tragic loss where bandits kill 17 soldiers in Niger State, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed that 800 elite special forces are being deployed across volatile zones in Nigeria. These units have undergone comprehensive combat training and will now be strategically deployed as cohesive fighting groups.
Speaking at the Defence Training Conference 2025, General Musa said:
“We realized that deploying troops in fragments weakens the force. Now, these 800 troops will operate as a unified team capable of rapid, coordinated responses.”
🧠 Defence Leadership: Strategic Modernization of Nigerian Military
Both the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, emphasized that military operations must align with Nigeria’s evolving security threats, including:
- Asymmetrical warfare
- Cyber and hybrid threats
- Advanced weapon proliferation
- AI and autonomous systems
General Musa stressed the urgency to train troops not only to fight enemies with nothing to lose but to adapt quickly to emerging combat technologies.
📍 Current Situation in Niger State
Currently, military and local vigilante units are conducting search operations across Gulbin Boka forest, targeting suspected bandit hideouts along the Kontagora–Rijau Road. No official statement has been released by the state government, but the Army has assured continued efforts to secure Mariga and surrounding communities.
📌 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. What happened in Niger State on June 24, 2025?
Armed bandits attacked two military camps in Mariga LGA, Niger State, killing 17 Nigerian soldiers and injuring 10 others.
2. How many bandits were involved in the attack?
Reports suggest over 200 heavily armed bandits were involved, with additional support later increasing that number.
3. Did the Nigerian Army respond?
Yes, the Army engaged the attackers and has since deployed special forces to reinforce regional security.
4. Were there civilian casualties or kidnappings?
There were no reported kidnappings, but shops were looted, and cattle were rustled from neighboring villages.
5. Where did the bandits come from?
The attackers are suspected to have entered from Zamfara State, using the Shadadi forest route.
6. What are the military’s next steps?
Deployment of 800 elite special forces, enhanced regional surveillance, and continued search operations are underway.
🔚 Conclusion: A Sobering Moment for National Security
The event in Mariga where bandits killed 17 soldiers in Niger State is a stark reminder of the evolving challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape. However, the deployment of elite special forces signals a renewed commitment to defending communities and restoring peace.
Stay with us for breaking updates on this developing story.
