Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of bandits after an attack on Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Bandits, had on Tuesday June 24, launched an attack on the community, prompting a swift military response, utilizing land and air components to eliminate the bandits.
Army spokeperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said in a statement on Wednesday, that the operation against the bandits was based on credible intelligence, which led to troops engaging about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
Lt.-Col Anele, however, said that 17 soldiers paid the supreme price during the operation.
She said: “The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara State.
“However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
“Sequel to the ground engagement by the Nigerian Army troops, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering accurate heavy bombardments on identified terrorists’ locations. Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.
“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.
“The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”
The army spokeperson said further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists.
She urged the public to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies “by any means possible.”
(The Nation)
