Three soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been killed after successfully repelling a predawn attack by suspected terrorists on a military position in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the incident late Monday, framing the clash as a tactical success despite the casualties, noting that the troops prevented what could have escalated into a wider security breach.
“At about 3 a.m. today, our gallant soldiers courageously beat back a terrorists’ attack on their position in Kemanji, Kaiama. Many of the terrorists were neutralised by the gallant troops,” he wrote.
“Our brave men not only repelled the terrorists and prevented them from accessing the community, but they also ensured that no one was kidnapped as the terrorists had intended.
“In the course of repelling the attack, we lost three courageous men. My sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of these great men who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland.
“We will never forget them and others like them in various theatres across the country.”
The governor added that the state would stand by the families of the fallen soldiers, pledging continued support while assuring residents that efforts to safeguard lives and property would be intensified.
The incident underscores a growing pattern of coordinated assaults on military formations across the country, coming just days after another deadly confrontation in Borno State.
In that attack, a colonel and six soldiers were killed when insurgents targeted a base in Monguno. According to Sani Uba, media officer of the north-east joint task force, the assault was launched late Sunday against troops at the Charlie 13 location.
Earlier in April, a similar strike in Benisheikh claimed the life of a brigadier-general, Oseni Braimah, and three other soldiers.
The Defence Headquarters described that incident as a “coordinated terrorist attack” that occurred around 12:30 a.m., highlighting the persistent threat facing military personnel in multiple regions.