Seven Nigerian soldiers, including an officer, one policeman, and 20 members of vigilante groups have been killed when armed bandits ambushed them while conducting foot patrols in Zamfara state.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that two soldiers were also declared missing.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the casualties in a statement titled “Bandits Sustain Casualties While Attacking Troops of FOB Kango on Patrol.”
Buba said the troops of Sector 1 Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kango were on foot patrol when they were ambushed by the bandits. The troops repelled the attack, inflicting casualties on the bandits. However, the troops also sustained casualties, including the deaths of seven soldiers, one policeman, and 20 vigilantes.
Buba said, “On 24 July 2023, bandits attack troops of Sect 1 FOB Kango while on foot patrol.
“The troops repelled the attack inflicting casualties on the bandits.
“Troops however sustained casualties in the process as follows: Killed in Action were 1 officer, 5 soldiers, 1 NPF personnel and 20 vigilantes that joined the troops to repel the attack.
“2 soldiers missing in action.
“The corpses of the deceased were deposited at Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital Gusau in Zamfara State.
“Specific details of the deceased are being withheld until completion of administrative procedures to notify their families.
“Search and rescue operation still in progress.
“The FOB has been beefed up following the threats of reprisal by the bandits due to the casualties they sustained.
“Troops are poised for further offensive against the bandits.”
