Bandits have reportedly killed about eleven soldiers in an attack on a military base in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state.
The gunmen, according TheCable, quoting sources, came in large numbers and were said to have invaded the base at Polwire village on Monday and engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle.
Military sources told TheCable that the bandits came on motorcycles and carrying heavy weapons including rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
The fight was said to have lasted for about two hours before the soldiers were dislodged.
“We lost 11 men while 19 soldiers were wounded in action, after they overwhelmed the troops. They also burnt down three armoured personel carriers (APC) after they overwhelmed the troops,” one of the military sources said.
The gunmen were also said to have carted away with several weapons from the troops.
The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Birnin Gwari General Hospital and 271 Nigerian Airforce Medical Center while those who were killed have been evacuated to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK) in Kaduna.
Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, was not immediately available to comment on the attack.
In past recent months, there has been a series of attacks on Kaduna communities, including military bases.