The Defence Headquarters has announced the imminent deployment of over 800 special operatives to security flashpoints across the country, following the killing of 17 soldiers in a fierce gun battle with bandits in Niger State.
The soldiers died during an ambush in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area, where more than 300 armed bandits reportedly launched an attack early Tuesday. Ten other troops were injured, while multiple airstrikes and ground operations were carried out in response. The number of bandits killed has not been confirmed, though the military said blood trails suggested significant casualties.
Army spokesperson Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele disclosed that the bandits were attempting to transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, possibly in search of a safe haven to evade ongoing military pressure in Zamfara State. She said the Nigerian Army and Air Force responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a three-hour firefight and targeting their withdrawal routes with precision airstrikes.
Lt.-Col. Anele described the fallen soldiers as “brave and gallant,” and confirmed that the wounded were receiving treatment in a military medical facility.
Earlier in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, announced that 800 specially trained troops will be deployed in troubled states such as Benue, Plateau, and Borno to bolster the fight against insecurity. He explained that the operatives, currently undergoing advanced combat training, would be deployed as a cohesive unit to maximise operational effectiveness.
“We’ve realised that deploying in pieces creates weaknesses. A fighting force must understand itself. These troops will be deployed together as one force,” Gen. Musa said.
He made the remarks at a Defence Headquarters seminar on “Performance-Oriented Training and Trends in Contemporary Operating Environment,” aimed at strengthening military readiness in response to evolving threats.
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, also speaking at the event, stressed the importance of aligning military training with national security objectives. He outlined plans to modernise defence training, promote innovation, and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber warfare capabilities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the armed forces and called for greater inter-agency cooperation to address the complex security landscape.
The Army has urged members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely intelligence and cooperating with security forces.
