The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during a deadly terrorist ambush on a military base in Bangi, located in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The confirmation comes a day after reports broke out online about the surprise attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 20 troops and left several others wounded.

But in a statement released Wednesday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military said that the attack was carried out by a heavily armed group of terrorists, estimated to number around 300, operating out of Kwanar Dutse Forest.

“Based on credible intelligence, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce three-hour gun battle, successfully disrupting their movement toward Kwatankoro Forest, where they were believed to be planning coordinated attacks or seeking refuge from ongoing operations in Zamfara State,” the statement read.

The Army added that the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ escape routes, inflicting heavy casualties.

While the exact number of enemy fighters killed remains unclear, Anele noted that “multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.

“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.

“The wounded have been evacuated to a military medical facility and are currently in stable condition,” the spokesperson added.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, lauding their sacrifice in the defence of the nation.

He also directed that the best possible medical care be provided to the injured soldiers.