The Nigerian army declared mourning three days for 17 soldiers who fell in Niger

The Nigerian army has declared a three-day mourning period, from June 25 to June 27, 2025, in honor of 17 soldiers who were killed in the recent ambush during the counter-shed operation in the state of Niger.

The soldiers were killed while involving armed bandits in fierce battles in the Kwanar Dutse, Mairiga, and Boka regions in Niger states, as well as Turai Angwan in the Chikun Regional Government in the Kaduna state. This operation also made 10 other soldiers injured.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director of Army Community Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anel, the attack was rejected during high -risk military operations based on credible intelligence. The troops have intercepted nearly 300 armed bandits trying to move under the night cover towards the Kwatankoro forest, possibly in an effort to avoid ongoing military attacks in the state of Zamfara or launch coordinated attacks on the surrounding community.

“The troops involved terrorists in a fierce weapon duel which lasted more than three hours, succeeded in disturbing their movements and goals,” Lieutenant Colonel Anele said in an official statement. “Following this engagement, the Nigerian Air Force carried out a precision air strike on the bandit withdrawal route, giving rise to heavy bombings in the identified terrorist position.”

While the Army did not give a definite figure to enemy victims, Anele noted that “Several blood paths along the escape route showed significant losses from the rebels.”

He added that the operation continued to fully assess the impact of involvement and secure the affected area.

The Army paid respect for soldiers who fell in a solemn post on X (previously Twitter), describing them as “brave heroes who paid the highest price to defend our country.” As a sign of respect, all Nigerian Army formations and units have been directed to fly the Army Flag half pole during the mourning period.

“With a deep respect that the Nigerian army declared a three -day mourning period … to respect the courage and sacrifice of 17 brave soldiers,” the statement said. “During this period, we paid the deepest respect to these falling heroes and gave their sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. Their unprooved dedication, courage, and sacrifice to defend our nation would forever be remembered and appreciated.”