Army confirms deadly coordinated attacks on bases in Kaduna and Niger—multiple soldiers killed

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a deadly, coordinated assault occurred on June 24 at its forward operating bases in Kwanar Dutse, Mairiga, and Boka in Niger State, as well as Aungwan Turai in Chikun, Kaduna State. Armed assailants launched a three-pronged attack on these military installations.

In an official statement released via its X (formerly Twitter) account, the Army disclosed that "some gallant warriors paid the supreme price", confirming that 17 soldiers were killed and 10 others wounded—the injured are currently receiving medical care.

The military responded swiftly, mobilizing both land and air units. These counter-offensives reportedly neutralized “scores of bandits” during intense firefights . Despite this, the tragic loss of personnel highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups targeting security forces.

A statement from the Army’s Public Relations Directorate, attributed to Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, focused on the scale of the firefight in Niger State. Anele stated the soldiers “engaged about 300 armed bandits… disrupted their movement… and carried out precision airstrikes on their escape routes.” She added the wounded remain in a stable condition.

Troops have since been reinforced in affected zones to secure military installations and pursue fleeing attackers. Clearance and mop-up operations are ongoing.