The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of 17 Nigerian soldiers during a coordinated bandit attack in his constituency, describing the incident as “barbaric, wicked, and inhuman.”
In a statement released Wednesday in Minna, Sarkindaji condemned the deadly ambush carried out by armed bandits in the Kwanan Duse and Gulbin Boka communities of Mariga Local Government Area. He noted that the fallen soldiers had been instrumental in safeguarding the region and its largely agrarian population.
“This is not just a tragedy for the military, but a catastrophe for my entire constituency and Niger State at large,” the Speaker said. “Our communities are under siege.”
Sarkindaji described the twin attacks on military camps in the area as a calculated effort to dismantle the security architecture and allow criminal elements to operate freely, perpetrating kidnappings, rape, killings, and cattle rustling.
“These heartless criminals, often crossing in from neighboring states, are determined to terrorize peaceful communities and undermine state authority,” he said, while urging the military not to be discouraged.
He also called on the government to intensify support for security agencies and ensure that the perpetrators are tracked, apprehended, and brought to justice.
“This is a serious challenge, but we must not allow them to win,” he added.
17 Soldiers Killed in Fierce Gun Battle
The tragic loss occurred late Tuesday night during a fierce confrontation between Nigerian troops and armed bandits near Bangi, a hotspot for criminal activity in Mariga Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the soldiers had received intelligence of an impending bandit advance and laid an ambush. The ensuing firefight, which lasted several hours, involved over 300 heavily armed assailants attempting to pass through the Kwanar Dutse Forest corridor toward Kwatankoro.
The Chairman of Mariga LGA, Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed that the attacks occurred in two separate locations—Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana around 11 p.m., and earlier at 5 p.m. in Gulbin Boka. He revealed that 17 soldiers were confirmed dead, and their bodies were transported to the Nigerian Army Barracks in Kontagora.
“Several of the bandits were neutralised during the engagement, but our primary concern remains the safety and security of our people,” Garba said.
He commended the rapid air support provided by the Nigerian Air Force and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He assured the public that the government is taking all necessary steps to restore peace in the area.
Nigerian Army Confirms Casualties
In an official statement posted on its X handle, the Nigerian Army confirmed the loss of 17 personnel. The statement, signed by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, detailed that the joint operation—conducted alongside the Nigerian Air Force—was based on credible intelligence about a planned terrorist incursion into Bangi.
“Troops engaged approximately 300 bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest, thwarting their movement and planned attacks. The confrontation lasted more than three hours,” the statement read.
While the operation successfully disrupted the insurgents’ plans, 17 soldiers lost their lives and 10 others were injured. The wounded personnel have been evacuated and are receiving treatment at a military medical facility, where they remain in stable condition.
