Nigerian Army Declares Three-Day Mourning for 17 Soldiers Killed in Niger State Ambush
The Nigerian Army has declared a three-day mourning period to honour 17 soldiers who lost their lives during a deadly ambush by armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest, located in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack, which occurred earlier in the week, reportedly involved over 300 heavily armed assailants who launched a coordinated nighttime assault on troops engaged in a clearance operation. According to military sources, the soldiers had been deployed as part of a larger joint effort involving the Nigerian Air Force to root out insurgents from the area.
The ensuing gunfight lasted several hours, with troops valiantly repelling the attackers before Nigerian Air Force jets were called in to conduct precision airstrikes against retreating militants The Air Force’s intervention reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with blood trails and destroyed motorbikes found along their escape routes.
Despite the military’s successful repulsion of the ambush, 17 soldiers were confirmed dead, while about 10 others sustained injuries. The loss has been described as one of the deadliest single-day tragedies suffered by the Nigerian military this year.
In response, the Nigerian Army announced a nationwide mourning period from Tuesday, June 25 to Thursday, June 27, 2025, during which flags across all military formations were flown at half-mast in tribute to the fallen personnel. The Army described the deceased as brave patriots who gave their lives in defence of the nation and reaffirmed its commitment to defeating criminal elements threatening national peace.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said:
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets the unfortunate loss of its gallant men in the line of duty. These heroes laid down their lives so that others may live. We mourn them, and we stand with their families.”
Public tributes poured in from around the country, with prominent figures such as former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani calling on the federal government to adequately compensate and support the families of the fallen. Human rights advocates and civil society groups also called for improved intelligence, equipment, and troop welfare to minimize future losses.
This attack comes amid a wider resurgence of armed banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions. The Army, however, insists it is scaling up its counterinsurgency operations with increased air ground coordination and tactical offensives.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has also ordered a review of current engagement protocols in high-risk areas and pledged to bring those responsible for the ambush to justice.
The three-day mourning period served not only to honour the fallen soldiers but also to galvanize national resolve against the insurgents who continue to threaten the security of rural communities in Niger and beyond.
