Seventeen soldiers have been killed by terrorists in Niger state.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, 10 other soldiers were injured and were being treated at a military hospital.
The statement said the 17 soldiers were killed on Monday, during an operation to repel a terrorists attack in Bangi community, Mariga LGA of Niger state.
Anele said the troops engaged about 300 armed bandits moving through Kwanar Dutse forest towards Kwatankoro in a fierce gun battle.
The statement said the operation was based on credible intelligence and carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.
Anele said troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle that lasted over three hours before the air force launched precision airstrikes on their escape routes.
According to the statement, “The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara state.
“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.
“Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.
“Further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists.”
The statement said, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyede extended his condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and directed that the wounded receive the best possible medical care.
He also tasked relevant military departments to support the affected families.
The statement reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to securing lives and property.
The statement urged members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies.
Army confirms killing of 17 soldiers by terrorists in Niger community
