Criminal gangs in central Nigeria staged a deadly raid on a military base earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 soldiers, according to security sources. The attack occurred on Tuesday in Niger state, where armed groups, commonly referred to as “bandits,” stormed the facility after a violent confrontation with troops assigned to combat criminal elements in the region.
While the military reported 17 casualties, military insiders and other sources indicate that the toll may be higher, with numbers reaching up to 20. The attack took place early in the morning outside the town of Bangi in the Mariga district. Military personnel described the incursion as a “well-coordinated” assault that not only overran the base but also caught soldiers off guard in ambushes outside the camp.
“We lost 20 soldiers and several were injured,” a military officer stated following the attack, citing the heavy firefight that ensued. Some attackers also reportedly met their end during the clash, though no specific numbers were provided on their casualties.
An international aid agency’s situation report detailed the extent of the violence, indicating that the armed assailants managed to overpower the camp after a prolonged exchange of fire, which ultimately resulted in the deaths of 18 soldiers. The aftermath has left local residents in fear, prompting many to flee their communities in anticipation of further violence.
The surge in attacks reflects a troubling trend in central and northwestern Nigeria, where communities have long been besieged by criminal gangs that engage in deadly raids, kidnappings for ransom, and arson. The motives of these bands seem primarily financial; however, their growing ties to jihadist elements in the northeastern part of the country are increasingly concerning to authorities and security analysts.
The gangs operate from camps in expansive forested areas covering several states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger. Their activities have included mass kidnappings from schools, prompting calls for stringent security measures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerian army confirmed the assaults on its bases in Niger and neighboring Kaduna states, leading to troop fatalities. The military described the attacks as a coordinated effort with multiple fronts involved, stating that troops engaged in prolonged battles throughout the day. “Sadly, some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in these battles,” the army noted, adding that four injured soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment for their wounds.
Despite initial casualties, military officials claimed that several attackers were eliminated during counter-assaults supported by air unit interventions, although they did not specify numbers related to these operations. As authorities grapple with the escalating violence, the situation continues to pose a significant challenge to maintaining security in the region.
