ABUJA — The Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that scores of armed bandits were neutralised during coordinated military operations in Niger and Kaduna States, even as some gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The operations, conducted over the past 48 hours, were part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves and restore peace in communities repeatedly terrorised by criminal elements in the North-Central and North-West regions.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, troops of Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Hadarin Daji launched precision offensives on identified hideouts in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State and parts of Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGAs in Kaduna State.
Military intelligence had earlier revealed movement and regrouping of bandits in forested areas near the state borders. Acting on the intelligence, air and ground forces engaged in joint combat missions, successfully dismantling several camps and neutralising a significant number of insurgents.
“Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, our troops demonstrated uncommon bravery and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy,” the statement read. “Regrettably, some of our brave men paid the ultimate price, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Though the military did not release the exact number of soldiers killed, sources within security circles indicated that at least six personnel were fatally wounded, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical care at a military facility.
In response to the development, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended the fallen heroes and assured their families of full military support. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to rid the nation of all threats to its territorial integrity and public safety.
The Defence Headquarters also appealed to local communities to continue providing timely intelligence and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation remains vital in defeating terrorism and armed banditry.
Meanwhile, residents in affected areas have reported a relative calm following the offensive, with local leaders calling for continued military presence to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements.
