Gladness Gideon
At least 20 soldiers were killed in the early hours of Tuesday in a deadly ambush by heavily armed bandits on a military camp near Bangi, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, security sources have confirmed.
The attack, which occurred around dawn on June 24, marks one of the deadliest assaults on Nigerian military personnel in recent months. According to reports, the attackers stormed the camp in large numbers and overwhelmed the soldiers after a sustained gun battle. Several other personnel were reportedly injured, though the extent of the injuries remains unclear.
Local sources said the assailants, believed to be part of an organised armed group operating across the North-Central and North-West regions, launched a surprise offensive that left the camp in disarray. Residents of nearby communities fled their homes as gunfire erupted, fearing further violence.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but multiple security operatives familiar with the situation described it as a major blow to ongoing counter-banditry operations in the region. The military has recently intensified efforts to curb the activities of criminal groups across Niger State, which has been repeatedly targeted by bandits in recent years.
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The Bangi attack comes amid rising security concerns in the country’s central corridor, where armed groups continue to launch coordinated assaults on both civilian populations and military targets. Despite ongoing military deployments and security patrols, many parts of Niger State remain vulnerable to raids, kidnappings, and violence.
Security analysts say the attack underscores the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger local collaboration, and enhanced protection for troops stationed in volatile areas.
As investigations into the ambush continue, the Nigerian government is expected to respond with heightened security measures to prevent further incursions and ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians in the region.