At least 17 Nigerian soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a series of coordinated attacks on military installations in Niger and Kaduna states, according to security sources and local officials.

The assaults, carried out by heavily armed gunmen commonly referred to as “bandits,” targeted three forward operating bases, marking one of the deadliest days for Nigerian forces this year.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that the attacks occurred in Kwanar Dutse Mairiga and Boka in Niger State, and Aungwan Turai in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The military described the incidents as a “three-pronged assault”, with the attackers engaging troops in prolonged firefights that lasted several hours.

“These were surprise attacks, and the soldiers fought back fiercely,” a senior security official told reporters. Despite the army’s counteroffensive, 17 soldiers were confirmed dead, and four others sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.

The Nigerian Armed Forces responded with joint land and air operations, reportedly killing scores of attackers. The military praised the “gallantry and resilience” of its troops and stated that clearance operations are ongoing to flush out remaining insurgents in the affected areas.

The assailants are believed to be part of well-organized criminal syndicates that have plagued Nigeria’s northwest and central regions for years. These groups are notorious for mass kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on villages and security posts, often operating from forested hideouts across state borders.

The attacks have reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity in the region. Despite multiple military campaigns and the deployment of special forces, rural communities remain vulnerable, and military outposts are frequently under-resourced and isolated.

In recent years, the Nigerian government has partnered with regional forces and local vigilante groups to combat the insurgency. However, analysts say the lack of coordinated intelligence, logistical support, and sustained funding continues to hamper long-term success.

The Nigerian Defence Academy reportedly confirmed that among the dead were a lieutenant and 20 soldiers, although the Army has not released the full list of casualties. No civilian deaths have been officially reported, though local sources suggest some villagers may have been caught in the crossfire.

The attacks come amid broader security challenges across Nigeria, including Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated insurgencies in the northeast, and communal clashes and separatist violence in the southeast. The military is stretched thin across multiple fronts, raising questions about its capacity to respond effectively to simultaneous threats.

Human rights groups have called for greater transparency in military operations and independent investigations into attacks on both soldiers and civilians. They also urge the government to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance in rural areas.

As the nation mourns its fallen soldiers, calls are growing for a comprehensive security overhaul, including better training, equipment, and welfare for frontline troops. Lawmakers have demanded an emergency session to review defense spending and assess the effectiveness of current counterinsurgency strategies.

The Nigerian Army has pledged to continue its operations and restore calm to the affected regions. “We will not be deterred,” a military spokesperson said. “Our fallen heroes will be honored through our unwavering commitment to defeating all enemies of the state.”

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