At least 14 Nigerian soldiers were killed and 10 others wounded during a fierce confrontation with armed militants in north-central Niger State, military officials said on Wednesday.
The clash occurred in the Mariga council area, where more than 300 gunmen had reportedly gathered in preparation for attacks on nearby villages. The military launched airstrikes and deployed ground troops to intercept the assailants, according to army spokesperson Appolonia Anele.
The operation targeted the dense Kwanar Dutse Forest, a known hideout for armed gangs accused of repeated raids and kidnappings across northern Nigeria. The army described the engagement as a “successful operation” that inflicted “significant enemy losses,” though it did not provide details on militant casualties.
“These armed elements were massing for coordinated attacks, and our forces acted decisively to neutralize the threat,” Anele said.
The attackers are believed to be part of organized criminal groups—sometimes made up of ex-pastoralists—who have increasingly taken root in abandoned forest reserves across the region. These gangs have been blamed for widespread insecurity, including deadly assaults, abductions, and extortion.
Communities in rural parts of northern Nigeria continue to face growing violence, with overstretched security forces struggling to assert control in remote areas. The government has not confirmed whether further operations are planned in Mariga or surrounding districts.
The military said it remains committed to restoring security and protecting vulnerable populations despite mounting challenges.