Terrorists Ambush Military Convoy in Niger, Kill 23 Soldiers

Newsflash Nigeria StaffAugust 15, 2023

2 minutes read

Niger State witnessed a bloody attack on Monday morning as gunmen suspected to be terrorists ambushed a military convoy and killed 23 soldiers, including a major and two lieutenants.

A military source told SaharaReporters that the attack occurred around 5am between Zangiwa and Kangara in the state.

The source said that the gunmen set some of the soldiers ablaze inside their Hilux vehicle. One of the lieutenants killed was identified as Y. Alkali.

The source said that the terrorists were heavily armed and outnumbered the soldiers, who were on patrol in the area.

The source said that the attack was one of the deadliest in recent times, as the terrorists had been terrorising the state for a long time.

The source also said that the terrorists had been kidnapping and killing civilians and security personnel in the state.

The source said that the army had launched a manhunt for the attackers and vowed to bring them to justice.

The army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, could not be reached for comment on the incident, as he did not respond to messages sent to him.

Niger State is one of the states in Nigeria that has been facing security challenges due to the activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.

The state shares borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, where terrorist groups operate. According to news reports, Niger State has witnessed several attacks by terrorists in recent months, resulting in deaths, injuries and displacements of thousands of people.

In July, two people were killed and many abducted by terrorists in Munya Local Government Area.

In June, 70 civilians were killed by gunmen in Tchoma Bangou village and 30 in Zaroumadareye village.

The state government has been appealing to the federal government to deploy more troops and equipment to tackle the security situation in the state. President Bola Tinubu has also promised to support the state with more resources and intelligence to combat terrorism.

The Nigerian government has vowed to crush the terrorists and bring them to justice. However, the attacks have continued unabated, raising questions about the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

The attack on the Nigerian soldiers is a major blow to the country’s security forces. The loss of 23 soldiers is a significant setback for the military, and it will likely make it more difficult to combat the terrorists.

The attack is also a major tragedy for the families of the victims. The families have lost loved ones who were fighting to protect their country. The attack is a reminder of the dangers that Nigerian soldiers face every day as they battle terrorists.

The attack is a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. The government must take urgent steps to address the security crisis in Niger State and other parts of the country. The government must also provide better support for the military so that it can more effectively combat the terrorists.

The attack is a reminder that terrorism is a serious threat to Nigeria and its people. The government must do everything it can to protect its citizens from this threat.