Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babana in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State have neutralised two bandits and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in the early hours of Thursday, 28 August 2025.
The attack occurred at about 2:50 a.m. when armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the Babana axis. Soldiers on guard duty engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
According to Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, the troops later conducted a follow-up operation along the bandits’ withdrawal route where two of them were neutralised. He added that items recovered from the encounter included one 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.
“Regrettably, one officer and a soldier sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire. They are currently responding to medical treatment, while the remains of the neutralised bandits have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” Nwankwo said.
The Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their bravery and resilience. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s resolve to intensify operations and employ all legitimate means to eradicate criminal elements while ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding citizens within its operational area.
