Deadly Ambush in Central Nigeria Raises Alarming Connections Between Bandits and Jihadists

Six soldiers died in an attack in central Nigeria, where the army is combating criminal groups. Bandits, known for pillaging villages, murdering and kidnapping locals for ransom, as well as looting and burning homes, have long troubled the region.

Concerns have emerged regarding the increasing connections between the bandits and jihadists engaged in a 15-year rebellion in the northeast. Military personnel conducting a patrol in Shiroro district in Niger state were ambushed on Friday, sparking a shootout.

Two soldiers sustained injuries during the attack. The army spokesperson vowed that the soldiers would avenge the ambush by pursuing the bandits who fled following the exchange of fire.

Shiroro district is recognized as a stronghold of bandit leader Dogo Gide, who has established ties with jihadists linked to the Islamic State. In August, Gide’s group killed 23 soldiers and three local vigilantes in an ambush on a security convoy in Niger state.