Troops kill armed bandits, recover weapons in Niger State

Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade have killed armed bandits and seized weapons during a military operation in Babana, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement released on Thursday, August 28, 2025, by Captain Stephen Nwakwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, the soldiers launched a successful operation against the criminals in the early hours of the day.

“At about 2:50 a.m., the vigilant troops engaged armed bandits attempting to infiltrate the Babana axis spanning Niger and Kwara states.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray,” the statement read.

The Army disclosed that troops later followed the bandits’ withdrawal route and killed two of them on the outskirts of Babana town.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, four AK-47 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 323 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, and a mobile phone.

However, an officer and a soldier sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the encounter and are currently receiving medical attention. The bodies of the neutralised bandits have been handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, commended the soldiers for their vigilance, resilience, and bravery.

He reiterated the Brigade’s commitment to intensifying operations and using all legitimate means to wipe out criminal groups while ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens in the region.