Troops from the 22 Armoured Brigade have eliminated armed bandits and seized weapons during an operation in Babana, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State.
In a statement released to the press on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Captain Stephen Nwakwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin, said the troops maintained relentless pressure on the criminals, achieving a major breakthrough in the early hours.
“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 said.
Advertisement
READ MORE: Chaos As Fires Engulf Facilities In Niger, Cross River
“During a subsequent exploitation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised two bandits on the outskirts of Babana town.”
Items recovered during the operation included an AK-47 rifle, four loaded AK-47 magazines with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 323 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, and a mobile phone.
The statement further noted that an officer and a soldier sustained gunshot wounds to their legs during the clash but are receiving medical attention. The bodies of the neutralised bandits have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
Praising the troops, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, lauded their vigilance, resilience, and bravery. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to intensify operations and employ all lawful measures to eliminate criminal elements while protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens within its area of operations.
