Niger State, Nigeria – A deadly confrontation between Nigerian military forces and armed insurgents in Niger State has left at least 14 soldiers dead and 10 others seriously injured, in what officials have described as one of the most significant clashes in recent months.
According to reliable security sources, the Nigerian Army was engaged in a preemptive strike against a large group of armed bandits — estimated to be over 300 heavily armed fighters — who were reportedly planning an attack on civilian settlements in the troubled Shiroro axis of the state.
🔥 The Ambush and Firefight
The military operation, which took place late Monday night, escalated into a prolonged gun battle. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, riding on motorcycles and equipped with sophisticated weapons, opened fire on the troops shortly after they arrived at the location based on intelligence reports.
An officer who requested anonymity said:
“The operation was based on credible intelligence. Unfortunately, the bandits were prepared and outnumbered us. We lost some of our finest men.”
Despite the loss, the Nigerian Army claims that dozens of the attackers were neutralized, though they are yet to release the exact number of enemy casualties.
🛑 A Pattern of Violence
This incident marks yet another episode in the escalating violence across Nigeria’s north-central region, where banditry, terrorism, and farmer-herder clashes continue to wreak havoc.
Communities in Shiroro, Munya, and Mariga LGAs have been under constant threat, with thousands of residents displaced and properties destroyed in recent months.
Local sources say several civilians may have also been caught in the crossfire during the clash, though this has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
🇳🇬 Government Reacts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on a state visit to Saint Lucia, issued a statement through his spokesperson, expressing “deep sorrow over the tragic loss of our brave soldiers.” He vowed to intensify the fight against insecurity in the country.
“Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We will continue to strengthen our forces, improve intelligence, and bring peace to all affected regions,” the President's message read.
⚖️ What’s Next?
Security analysts are calling for an urgent review of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency tactics, including better equipment for soldiers, community-based intelligence systems, and aerial surveillance support in bandit-prone zones.
Human rights advocates are also urging the government to increase support for the families of the fallen soldiers and displaced civilians affected by these frequent attacks.