Army, Air Force foil terrorist incursion in Niger, 17 soldiers sacrifice lives
Nigerian Air Force NAF
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a decisive joint operation, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, successfully thwarted a major terrorist incursion into Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
This was made known in a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Based on credible intelligence, troops engaged approximately 300 armed bandits in a fierce firefight lasting over three hours in the Kwanar Dutse Forest.
Anele noted that the terrorists were attempting a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they planned coordinated attacks on nearby communities or sought refuge from intensified operations in Zamfara State.
Following the ground engagement, the Nigerian Air Force executed precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering heavy bombardments on identified enemy locations.
Though exact casualties remain unconfirmed, multiple blood trails suggest significant losses on the terrorists’ side.
Tragically, seventeen gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in stable condition at a military medical facility.
Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, expressed profound sorrow and admiration for the fallen heroes.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great country, Nigeria.
“The Chief of Army Staff also directed the military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops. The relevant Nigerian Army departments have also been tasked to engage with the families of all our gallant warriors who have undoubtedly performed their duty, most admirably,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its mission to secure all communities and protect the lives and property of all citizens across the nation, noting “The sanctity of our freedom shall not be mortgaged and the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and of course, the great people of our nation will continue to work tirelessly to see an end to terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality plaguing our society.
“Members of the public are hereby encouraged to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies by any means possible,” the statement summed up.
