Nigerian Army Vows Retaliation After Soldiers Killed in Ambush

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian army has promised a strong response following the deadly ambush that killed six of its soldiers in the central state of Niger. The attack occurred last Friday during a patrol mission in Karaga village, Shiroro area, as part of ongoing peacekeeping efforts in the region.

According to an official statement from the army, the soldiers, including two senior officers and four other personnel, were on a "fighting patrol" when they were ambushed by individuals the army has labeled as "terrorists."

The army reported that it had killed several attackers during the incident and was actively pursuing others involved.

"The unfortunate setback would be avenged by the troops," the army stated, signaling its intent to intensify military actions against the perpetrators.

In addition to the fatalities, two officers were injured during the ambush, and there are unconfirmed local reports of one officer being abducted.

While the specific group behind the ambush has not been officially identified, armed gangs, often referred to locally as bandits, have increasingly targeted security forces in recent attacks across Nigeria.

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the country, which include not only banditry but also kidnappings for ransom and various jihadist insurgencies.

The timing of the ambush coincides with a high-level African counter-terrorism summit hosted by Nigeria in the capital, Abuja, highlighting the critical security issues facing the region.

This attack follows closely on another tragic incident where 16 soldiers were killed in the southern Delta state amid clashes between rival communities.

The Nigerian military's vow to retaliate underscores the government's ongoing struggle to secure peace and stability across its territories, amid escalating violence and widespread security concerns.