A total of 17 soldiers died in northern Nigeria when gunmen stormed three military bases. Armed gangs operating are usually involved in kidnappings for ransom and targeting security forces.
The Nigerian military confirmed the attack on Tuesday, June 24, but gave no details.
"Unfortunately, some brave soldiers dared to pay the highest price in a day-long battle while the four soldiers injured in the fighting are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds," the military said in a statement.
Two security sources said gunmen launched a surprise attack on military leading operations bases in the Kwanar Dutse Mariga and Boka regions in Niger State and other bases in the adjacent Kaduna State.
Armed gangs fought against troops for several hours.
The source and Abbas Kasuwar Garba, chairman of the Mariga district, said all 17 of the dead were at the Kwanar Dutse Mariga base.
"It was an ambush. They (armed men) came from nowhere and used heavy ammunition to attack," said a military officer based in Niger.
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Nigerian Army said it was launching a counter-attack, killing several gunmen.
The insecurity has burdened the Nigerian military, as they faced armed gangs with Islamist groups Boko Haram and ISIS affiliates in the northeast.
Niger state has witnessed an ambush of military personnel, with Boko Haram fighters known to operate there.
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