Wave of Insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West Regions Worsens as Soldiers Fall in Surprise Attack

The growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions took a dark turn on Tuesday, with reports indicating that no fewer than 20 soldiers were killed during a surprise attack by armed bandits near Bangi in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack occurred early in the morning, around dawn on June 24, 2025, and resulted in multiple soldiers losing their lives while several others sustained injuries, according to military sources.

In an interview with Beadyswordblog, a security source confirmed the tragic ambush:

“Today, about 20 soldiers were killed by armed bandits near Bangi, Mariga LGA of Niger State in an early morning attack on their camp,” the source stated.

Photographs reportedly depicting some of the fallen soldiers have been obtained by Beadyswordblog, although the Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as of press time.

The attack has intensified fear and caused displacement among residents in the affected communities. Many locals in the Bangi area are fleeing en masse, driven by fears of further violence as bandit groups grow more daring and sophisticated in their operations.

This recent assault adds to a series of deadly clashes between security forces and criminal elements in Niger State, which has increasingly become a hotspot for banditry, with rural communities repeatedly coming under siege.

In a separate but equally tragic event, suspected terrorists reportedly killed over 15 civilians in Tofa village, in Magami district of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

Sources indicate that the village was attacked on Sunday, prompting most residents to abandon their homes due to the levies imposed by terrorists and inadequate security protection.

“In Tofa, over 15 people were massacred, many others injured, and some are unaccounted for,” a local source told Beadyswordblog.

Military authorities have remained silent on both incidents. However, intelligence gathered by Beadyswordblog reveals that the families of the fallen soldiers have been notified, including that of Lieutenant Isma’il Yahya, one of the officers killed while reportedly defending a highway in Zamfara.

“The bandits attacked the community on Sunday; they ambushed the troops and killed many of them,” the source added.