At least 20 soldiers have been killed following a deadly ambush by armed bandits on a military camp near Bangi, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack took place in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after the bandits stormed the camp unexpectedly and overran it in a fierce gunfight.
Chairman of Mariga Local Government Council, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, confirmed the incident, saying it happened in two separate locations. “The attack occurred at Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana, close to Bangi, around 11 pm, and again at Gulmin Boka around 5 am the same day,” he said.
According to him, 17 bodies of soldiers have so far been recovered from the forest and taken to Kontagora barracks. “Vigilantes and other security personnel are still in the bush, searching and tracking the bandits,” he added.
Kasuwa Garba acknowledged the support of the Air Force in confronting the attackers. “We appreciate the effort of the Air Force in countering the criminals,” he said, calling on residents to remain vigilant. “We urge people to report any suspicious movement. They should also stay calm. We are doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area.”
Several of the bandits were reportedly killed in the gun battle, but their exact number remains unknown.
Sources say the soldiers had received intelligence about the movement of the bandits towards the Bangi area, known to be a route used for kidnapping and cattle rustling.
