Bandits overrun military outpost in Zamfara, set facility ablaze

Tension has gripped Zamfara State once again after armed bandits reportedly attacked and razed a Nigerian military outpost in the early hours of Saturday.

The assault, which occurred around 3 a.m. in the Jangebe community, has sparked fears of casualties among security personnel.

According to reports by SaharaReporters, the attack was carried out by a group of heavily armed insurgents who overwhelmed the military base before setting it on fire. The extent of the damage and possible loss of lives remains unclear as of the time of reporting.

Jangebe is no stranger to such violence. The town gained national attention on February 26, 2021, when 279 schoolgirls aged 10 to 17 were abducted from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in a mass kidnapping that shocked the country and the international community.

“Bandits attacked the soldiers and dislodged them; it just happened about 3am this morning,” a source revealed.

The source attributed the successful attack to inadequate weaponry and lack of critical resources needed to fend off the gunmen.

“Soldiers put in their best but there was lack of ammunition and there was no vehicle at the location and support weapons. So the bandits overpowered them and burnt down the location.

“No casualty yet but one soldier was injured and has been rushed to a medical hospital at the 1brigade HQ.”

Military personnel involved in counterinsurgency efforts in northern Nigeria have expressed frustration over delayed troop rotations, saying replacements expected three months ago have yet to arrive.

The soldiers also lamented being compelled to face bandits and Boko Haram fighters despite dwindling morale and fatigue, factors they say have left some military positions vulnerable to attacks.

They further alleged that many colleagues have been lost in clashes with militants due to insufficient firepower and inadequate equipment for the ongoing fight.

(SAHARAREPORTERS)