The Nigerian army has pledged retaliation for the deaths of six soldiers who were ambushed during a peace mission in Niger’s central state last week.
The soldiers were conducting a “fighting patrol” in Karaga village, Shiroro area, when they were attacked by what the army described as “terrorists”.
An army statement reported the killing of several attackers and ongoing pursuit of others.
The army asserted that the soldiers would avenge the “regrettable setback”.
Among the deceased were two senior officers and four other personnel, the army revealed.
Two officers sustained injuries in the assault.
While local reports suggest one officer was kidnapped, the army has not confirmed this.
The perpetrators of the ambush remain unidentified, although local armed gangs, referred to as bandits, are often held responsible for targeting security forces.
The attack coincides with Nigeria hosting a two-day high-level African counter-terrorism summit in Abuja.
This ambush follows closely after the deaths of 16 soldiers in clashes between rival communities in the oil-rich southern Delta state a few weeks ago.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a surge in kidnappings for ransom and confronts various jihadist groups.