The Nigerian Army has declared a three-day mourning period in honor of 17 soldiers who were killed during an ambush by bandits in Niger State.
The incident, which took place earlier in the week, marks one of the deadliest attacks against military personnel in recent months.
According to official reports, the ambush occurred in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The soldiers were reportedly on a mission to respond to a distress call about bandit activity in the area when they were attacked. Among the 17 soldiers killed were senior officers, including a commanding officer and two majors, as well as several other ranks.
In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Army also said that the families of the deceased soldiers would receive full support, and arrangements were underway to provide them with necessary assistance.
The three-day mourning began on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, and includes the lowering of flags at all military formations nationwide. During this period, soldiers have been directed to wear black armbands in remembrance of their fallen colleagues. The Army described the ambush as a cowardly act by criminal elements who are determined to destabilize the region and undermine the efforts of security agencies.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bandits had set up a sophisticated trap for the soldiers, who were acting on intelligence reports. Upon arrival, they were met with heavy gunfire and improvised explosive devices. The ambush led to a prolonged firefight, resulting in multiple casualties before reinforcements could arrive.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Army and the families of the slain soldiers. He commended their bravery and sacrifice, stating that their deaths would not be in vain. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, and said the federal government would intensify military operations in all troubled regions.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, also visited the affected unit and met with grieving soldiers. He assured them that the Army would avenge the deaths of their colleagues and maintain operational momentum against all criminal elements. Lagbaja emphasized the importance of morale and solidarity during such difficult times and promised improved intelligence support to prevent future occurrences.
Security experts have described the attack as a major setback in the fight against armed groups operating in north-central Nigeria. Over the past several years, Niger State has become one of the hotspots for bandit activity, with repeated attacks on both civilian populations and security forces. The terrain and sparse security presence in rural areas have made it difficult for authorities to establish consistent control.
The Defence Headquarters has already ordered an intensified military campaign in the area, deploying special forces to track down those responsible for the ambush. The Nigerian Air Force has also been conducting surveillance and airstrikes in support of ground operations. Officials say a coordinated crackdown is underway to dismantle the network of bandits behind the attack.
Public reactions to the killings have included calls for stronger security measures and better protection for soldiers on assignment in high-risk zones. Civil society groups have also urged the government to provide improved equipment and intelligence to frontline troops. Some lawmakers have demanded a review of the military’s rules of engagement and the security architecture in the region.
As the nation mourns the loss of the 17 soldiers, the Nigerian Army has reiterated its resolve to carry on with its operations until peace is restored across the country. The identities of the fallen soldiers are being withheld until their families have been fully informed. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced after the official mourning period ends.
