Crime

Zamfara Under Siege: Soldiers Flee as Bandits Raze Military Base

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 4th, 2025.

Zamfara Under Siege: Soldiers Flee as Bandits Raze Military Base

In a fresh wave of violence in Zamfara State, armed insurgents have overrun and set ablaze a Nigerian military outpost in Jangebe community, sparking fears of potential casualties.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday around 3 a.m., when the armed group launched a surprise offensive on the stationed soldiers. Jangebe, a community previously thrust into the spotlight following the abduction of 279 schoolgirls in February 2021, is once again at the center of security concerns.

According to local sources, the military personnel at the outpost put up a resistance but were ultimately overwhelmed due to limited firepower and a lack of operational resources.

“There was no backup vehicle, no support weapons, and ammunition was scarce,” a source close to the situation revealed. “Despite the troops’ efforts, the attackers managed to overpower them and burn the base.”

One soldier was reportedly injured during the assault and has been transported to the 1 Brigade Headquarters medical facility for treatment. No fatalities have been officially confirmed yet.

Frustration among soldiers deployed in the region continues to grow, with many complaining about overstretched deployments and inadequate reinforcements. Personnel say that troops due for rotation months ago are still on the frontlines, leading to fatigue and low morale.

Some soldiers also raised concerns over the government’s failure to equip them adequately, a situation they claim has contributed to the recent loss of multiple camps to armed groups. Reports indicate that several troops have lost their lives in past weeks due to these operational deficiencies.

The security breach in Jangebe adds to growing unease over the federal government’s ability to manage the persistent insurgency and banditry plaguing northern Nigeria.