GRAPHIC CONTENT: Bandits Overrun Military Base in Niger, Kill Over 20 Soldiers in Devastating Onslaught

In one of the deadliest attacks on Nigeria’s armed forces in recent months, heavily armed bandits launched a brutal assault on a military base near Bangi, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, killing more than 20 soldiers in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The attack, which began around dawn, completely overwhelmed the base, leaving a trail of devastation and grief.

Security sources confirmed that the assailants carried out a well-coordinated ambush, catching the soldiers off guard in a surprise offensive. The camp was reportedly overrun after a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted several hours. Graphic photographs obtained by SaharaReporters show the bodies of fallen soldiers at the scene, highlighting the gruesome nature of the attack.

“Today, about 20 soldiers were killed by armed bandits near Bangi in Mariga LGA of Niger State in an early morning attack on their camp,” a military source revealed. “It was a well-planned and devastating onslaught.”

In addition to those killed, several other soldiers were said to be wounded. While full details are still emerging, the scale of the losses has sent shockwaves through military circles and local communities alike. Residents of Bangi and surrounding areas are reportedly fleeing in large numbers, fearing further violence from the bandits who continue to operate with alarming freedom in the region.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement regarding the incident, further fueling concerns and speculation over the deteriorating security situation in Niger State.

The attack comes on the heels of another tragic incident reported earlier on Tuesday, in which an unspecified number of soldiers were killed while attempting to repel a bandit ambush along a highway in Zamfara State. Among the victims was a military officer, Lieutenant Isma’il Yahya, whose death has been confirmed by sources close to the operation.

In a related act of violence, over 15 civilians were reportedly massacred in Tofa village, located in the Magami district of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The attackers, believed to be the same bandit groups terrorizing the region, stormed the village and unleashed chaos. Many residents are missing, wounded, or feared dead, and the village has largely been abandoned due to persistent attacks and demands for ransom payments by the criminal groups.

A source from the area said, “The bandits ambushed troops and killed many. Families of the slain soldiers have been notified, but authorities remain silent. In Tofa, more than 15 people were massacred. The situation is heartbreaking.”

The recent string of attacks has once again underscored the worsening security crisis in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities remain vulnerable and state response appears increasingly strained. Calls are growing louder for the federal government and military leadership to take decisive action before more lives are lost.

⚠️ Viewer discretion is advised: Some images from the scene of the attack may be disturbing.