Bandit Ambush Kills 17 Soldiers in Kaduna, Niger as Ex-Generals Slam Intelligence Failures

At least 17 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives and 10 others were injured in simultaneous bandit attacks on military operating bases in Kaduna and Niger states, with experts and retired military officials attributing the incident to intelligence lapses and local sabotage.

The attacks, which occurred on June 24, targeted bases in Kwanar Dutse, Mairiga, and Boka (Niger State) and Angwan Turai (Kaduna State). According to the Nigerian Army, the operation included both land and air counteroffensives, resulting in the deaths of numerous bandits. However, the military also confirmed its losses via a statement on Wednesday, adding that four injured personnel are receiving treatment.

Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed that credible intelligence had helped intercept about 300 armed terrorists who were possibly planning more attacks or fleeing military operations in Zamfara State. A three-hour gun battle ensued, followed by precision airstrikes, which left several enemy casualties.

Despite the success in neutralizing many attackers, the death toll on the side of the military has raised concerns. Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, said full casualty figures would be disclosed by appropriate authorities.

Several retired military officers blamed the recurring assaults on poor intelligence gathering and community support for insurgents. Brig. Gen. George Edmin (retd.) noted that civilians often act as informants for bandits, undermining military efforts. He called on the National Orientation Agency to ramp up public education on patriotism and national defense.

Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinibi (retd.) advocated for technological upgrades in intelligence gathering and tighter border control, warning that insurgents now operate with speed and coordination. He emphasized that Nigeria’s porous borders and poor surveillance systems make it easy for attackers to infiltrate, strike, and escape.

Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) warned that recent gains against Boko Haram had created a false sense of security, leading to complacency. He cited Niger Republic’s ECOWAS withdrawal as weakening regional border surveillance and enabling cross-border terrorism.

Another retired general, who requested anonymity, noted that many attacks on military bases are strategic attempts by insurgents to sabotage government performance, especially as political tension builds ahead of upcoming elections.

Security expert Abdullahi Jabi suggested the assaults may be driven by a need for resources and weaponry or even orchestrated efforts to destabilize the government. He sharply criticized the federal and state leadership for failing to equip the military with modern warfare tools such as drones and fighter jets, arguing that even state governors could afford them if the political will existed.

The consensus among experts and former military leaders is that Nigeria’s security crisis is worsening due to a combination of weak intelligence systems, porous borders, civilian collaboration with insurgents, and lack of political accountability.