The Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area in Niger State, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, has disclosed that 20 soldiers paid the supreme price while responding to a distress call.
He said the security operatives were ambushed while responding to reports of bandits movement in the area.
The chairman also confirmed that 17 bodies of soldiers were retrieved from the forest and deposited at Kontagora barracks.
Garba further stated that the vigilantes and other security operatives are still searching and trailing the criminals.
He, however, applauded the efforts of the Air Force in countering the bandits while urging residents to remain calm and report suspected movements to relevant authorities.
"The government is doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area,” he said on Wednesday.
NATIONAL POST learnt that bandits had invaded two communities on Tuesday, leading to the invitation of the soldiers.
Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana near Bangi was invaded around 11 pm while Gulmin Boka was at 5 pm.
Several of the bandits were also reported to have been neutralized during the ensuing shootout.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that 17 soldiers were killed during the ambush.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.
She said the attack was carried out by a heavily armed group of terrorists, estimated to number around 300, operating out of Kwanar Dutse Forest.