Seven soldiers, an officer, a policeman, and 20 members of vigilante organizations that fought alongside the troops were killed by bandits in Zamfara, northwest Nigeria.
While on foot patrols to clear the state of bandit camps and enclaves, the bandits ambushed the victims and slaughtered them.
While confirming the casualties, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, he stated that two soldiers had been listed as missing in action.
In a statement headed “Bandits Sustain Casualties While Attacking Troops of FOB Kango on Patrol,” he made the revelation.
According to Buba, on July 24, 2023, bandits attacked Sect 1 FOB Kango personnel who were out on foot patrol.
“The troops repelled the attack inflicting casualties on the bandits.
“Troops however sustained casualties in the process as follows: Killed in Action were 1 officer, 5 soldiers, 1 NPF personnel and 20 vigilantes that joined the troops to repel the attack.
“2 soldiers missing in action.
“The corpses of the deceased were deposited at Yerima Bakura Specialist Hospital Gusau in Zamfara State.
“Specific details of the deceased are being withheld until completion of administrative procedures to notify their families.
“Search and rescue operation still in progress.
“The FOB has been beefed up following the threats of reprisal by the bandits due to the casualties they sustained.
“Troops are poised for further offensive against the bandits.”