The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during a deadly terrorist ambush on a military base in Bangi, located in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. The confirmation comes a day after reports broke out online about the surprise attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 20 troops and left several others wounded. In a statement released Wednesday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military revealed that the attack was carried out by a heavily armed group of terrorists, estimated to number around 300, operating out of Kwanar Dutse Forest. “Based on credible intelligence, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce three-hour gun battle, successfully disrupting their movement toward Kwatankoro Forest, where they were believed to be planning coordinated attacks or seeking refuge from ongoing operations in Zamfara State,” the statement read. The Army further disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ escape routes, inflicting heavy casualties.

Full report : Nigerian Army confirms 17 soldiers killed in terrorist attack on Niger State base.