NIGER STATE – Nigerian military troops have successfully foiled a coordinated terrorist attack in Niger State, engaging the assailants in a prolonged and intense gun battle, military sources confirmed on Wednesday, June 26, 2025.
The attempted assault, which took place in the Kagara axis of Rafi Local Government Area, was launched by heavily armed insurgents suspected to be linked to a notorious terror cell operating within the North-Central corridor. The assailants reportedly advanced on civilian settlements before encountering a well-positioned military patrol team.
According to a statement by security operatives, the troops, acting on actionable intelligence, swiftly mobilized to the area and mounted a strong resistance, neutralizing several attackers while forcing others to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
“The gallant response of our men on the ground averted what could have been a mass casualty event. Our forces engaged the enemy for over an hour and succeeded in pushing them back,” a senior security official disclosed.
Recovered items from the scene included assault rifles, live ammunition, motorcycles, and communication gadgets, indicating that the group had planned a high-impact operation targeting both civilians and military assets.
Residents of nearby communities, including Tegina and Pandogari, were thrown into panic during the confrontation but have since returned to normalcy following the intervention of reinforcements deployed to secure the area.
This latest confrontation is part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Niger State, which has become a flashpoint for banditry and insurgent activities in recent years. The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilante groups, has stepped up security operations to dislodge criminal elements and restore public safety.
Defence headquarters have assured citizens that the military remains committed to neutralizing terrorist threats and will not relent in safeguarding communities across the region.
As of press time, mop-up operations were still ongoing in the area to ensure that no remnants of the fleeing terrorists pose further danger to civilians.
