Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babana in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, have recorded a major success in the fight against insecurity after neutralising bandits during an operation in the early hours of Thursday, August 28, 2025.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued by Stephen Nwankwo Captain, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin and made available to 9japarrot Media.
The encounter occurred at about 2:50 a.m. when vigilant soldiers engaged armed bandits attempting to infiltrate the Babana axis.
According to military sources, the troops overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
In a follow-up operation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised two of the assailants on the outskirts of Babana town. Items recovered 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.
The Army confirmed that an officer and a soldier sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the exchange of fire. Both are currently responding well to medical treatment. The remains of the neutralised bandits have been handed over to the appropriate authorities.
Commending the troops, the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, lauded their vigilance, resilience, and courage. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to intensifying operations and employing all legitimate means to eliminate criminal elements while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across its operational areas.
The Nigerian Army also assured residents of continued operations to restore peace and stability in Babana and surrounding communities.