ABUJA: Officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Defense have confirmed that 34 soldiers were killed and 14 others injured in an attack by hundreds of armed militants.
The assault occurred near the border with Mali at the Bani-Bango military base.
According to a statement by Nigeria’s state television, the attackers used eight armored vehicles and over 200 motorcycles to carry out the assault.
Reuters reported today that the Islamic State
(ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Ministry of Defense stated that, without providing further details, its forces have initiated aerial and ground operations to secure the area following the attack.
Like other countries in West Africa, Nigeria faces threats from extremist militant groups, which have previously launched attacks on the military, resulting in casualties.
