A deadly attack by suspected bandits on a military camp in Niger State has left a Lieutenant, 20 soldiers, and several villagers dead, in what authorities are calling one of the most brazen assaults on security forces in recent months.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday near a remote settlement in the Shiroro Local Government Area, a region long troubled by banditry and insurgent violence. According to security sources, the attackers stormed the military outpost in large numbers, engaging soldiers in a fierce gun battle that lasted for hours.
Military officials confirmed that a young Lieutenant leading the unit was among those killed, alongside 20 personnel who fought to repel the heavily armed assailants. Several civilians from surrounding villages, caught in the crossfire or targeted during the chaos, also lost their lives, though the exact number of villagers killed has not been officially released.
Eyewitnesses from the nearby community reported hearing sustained gunfire and explosions as the bandits overran the camp. Homes were also reportedly looted and burned in the aftermath.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its personnel and vowed to retaliate forcefully. “This cowardly attack will not go unanswered. Reinforcement operations are underway, and we are committed to restoring peace in the region,” said Army spokesperson Brigadier General Musa Danjuma.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State condemned the attack, describing it as a “national tragedy” and called on the federal government to intensify military operations against criminal elements in the state.
As of press time, search and recovery efforts are ongoing, while security has been heightened in the region to prevent further attacks.
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