Nigerian Troops Thwart Bandit Attack On Military Base, Neutralise Several Assailants.
Nigerian Army troops successfully repelled a daring assault by armed bandits on a military base in Babanna, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralising several attackers in the process. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, 28 August 2025, saw security forces engage in a fierce gun battle, showcasing their resolve to protect the region from escalating banditry.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the assailants, arriving in large numbers on motorcycles, launched a sporadic attack on the base, aiming to overrun it. The troops responded swiftly, engaging the bandits in intense gunfire that resulted in significant losses for the attackers. While the bandits managed to evacuate most of their casualties, at least one body was left behind, confirming the effectiveness of the military’s counter-offensive. The area has since been placed on high alert, with security agencies intensifying surveillance to prevent further incursions.
The successful defence of the Babanna base marks another significant victory for Nigerian forces in Niger State, where banditry has posed a persistent threat to communities. Just days prior, on 26 August, a joint operation by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kumbashi village, Mariga LGA, neutralised over 50 bandits, rescued seven kidnapped victims, and recovered rustled cattle. The operation followed an attempted invasion of a DSS camp by approximately 300 armed bandits, underscoring the scale of the security challenge in the region.
Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, commended the troops’ bravery, describing the Kumbashi operation as a testament to their superior training and firepower. “This is a major step forward in our efforts to curb banditry,” he said, noting that the state assembly would continue to support security initiatives. Local residents expressed relief, with one stating, “The courage of our forces prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy.”
The Nigerian military’s recent operations, including the arrest of Abubakar Abba, leader of the notorious Mahmuda terror group in Wawa, Niger State, reflect a broader strategy of intelligence-led warfare to dismantle bandit networks. Authorities have reassured communities that vigilance remains high, with ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and protect lives and property from criminal gangs notorious for raids, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
This latest triumph in Babanna reinforces the military’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, offering hope to residents weary of persistent bandit attacks. As coordinated offensives intensify, the government and security forces continue to call for community cooperation to root out criminal elements and restore peace.