How 17 Soldiers Were Killed By Terrorists During Attack At Military Base

...As the Theatre Headquarters in Maiduguri, lament the escalated use of "armed drones" and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, for surveillance by terrorists against troops

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the loss of 17 soldiers fighting Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists in Niger State on Thursday.

The attack took place on its military base near Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of the state. 

This is coming against the backdrop of recent reports of the need to equip frontline units/formations with drone jamming equipment to effectively neutralize threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, (drones) to counter the escalated use of such sophisticated weapons by terrorists.

The Theatre Headquarters of the Operation of the fight against insurgents had, lamented recently in Maiduguri, Borno State, the escalation of the use of drones against troops in the Northeast.

The Theatre Headquarters specifically complained over what it described as the "Renewed Threat Of Drone Strikes By ISWAP/ Boko Haram Terrorists," against troops in area, noting that the terrorists now deploy armed drones against units and formations across Yobe, Borno,and Adamawa States," especially.

According to the Theatre Headquarters, this development, "came to limelight following interception of a manual tagged Modern Warfare: Attaching A Drop Mechanism; detailing how to equip a payload release mechanism or payload dropper on a 15-inch DroView Payload Drone."

The troops further stressed that "Recently, the Terrorists have shown remarkable abilities to harness sophisticated technology, utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for surveillance and other offensive operations. 

"The acquisition of the manual could enhance their capacity to weaponize drones and deploy them against Troops; apparently to inflict casualties, whilst preserving their depleted fighting force."

However, the Nigerian Army stated that the assault, leading to the killing of the 17 soldiers, reportedly began in the early hours of the day, and also left 10 other soldiers injured in what the Army described as a prolonged and intense firefight.In a statement released on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations,Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele.

The Army noted that said the operation was launched based on credible intelligence, leading to a direct confrontation with about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.

“The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara State.

“However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours," Anele further explained.

According to the Army spokesperson, the 

Nigerian Air Force also supported the operation by conducting precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ escape routes. According to the Army spokesperson, delivering, “accurate heavy bombardments on identified terrorists’ locations.

“Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses. Further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists." 

Lt. Col. Anele expressed deep regret over the loss of military personnel, adding that, "17 brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injury. The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluwafemi Oluyede, has extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and assured that the best possible care is being provided for the injured.

“The Chief of Army Staff also directed the military medical teams to ensure the best possible care for the injured troops,” Anele further stated, even as she noted that, the

Nigerian Army would continue its operations to flush out terrorist elements and ensure the safety and security of affected communities.