Niger army base ambush kills several soldiers and injures others as Nigerian Army confirms coordinated attacks by bandits across two states
Niger army base ambush has claimed the lives of several Nigerian soldiers and left many others injured, following a coordinated onslaught by armed bandits across Niger and Kaduna states on Tuesday.
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The Nigerian Army, in a statement shared via its verified Facebook page on Wednesday, confirmed the multiple attacks on forward operating bases in Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka, both in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as Aungwan Turai in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The military described the incident as a “three-pronged attack” orchestrated by bandits, which was met with counter-offensives by land and air component troops. According to the army, scores of the attackers were neutralised in the process.
“On 24 June 2025, forward operating bases in the general areas of Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka Niger State, and Aungwan Turai Chikun LGA in Kaduna State, were attacked by bandits in a 3-pronged attack,” the statement said.
It added, “In response, land and air component troops launched several counter-attacks that eliminated scores of bandits in the encounters.”
Although the army did not release an official casualty count, sources informed Premium Times that at least 20 soldiers were killed. The army did confirm that four troops injured by gunshots are receiving medical care.
Some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles.
“Some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles while four wounded in action troops are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds,” the army statement read.
When contacted for further details, army spokesperson Major-General Onyechi Anele said she would respond in due course.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Abdullahi Garba, had not responded to inquiries at press time.
The Niger army base ambush occurred the same day armed assailants killed around 15 residents of Tofa village in Zamfara’s Magami district.
A separate deadly clash in Sokoto’s Shinkafi LGA between notorious bandit Bello Turji’s faction and Nigerian security forces reportedly left no fewer than 100 people dead near Cida village.
The army has not yet released statements on the Zamfara and Sokoto incidents.
Local intelligence indicates the Mariga axis of Niger State, where Tuesday’s attack took place, is partly under the control of Dogo Gide’s gang and remnants of the late Ali Kawaje’s group.
Other terror-affiliated organisations, such as the Boko Haram faction led by Mallam Sadiku, also operate in the area, targeting both civilians and military personnel.
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The region remains plagued by rampant insecurity, including kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, attacks on miners, and gender-based violence.
