Rampaging bandits have slain scores of soldiers in yet another brutal attack on a military base in Mariga LGA of Niger amid the claim by President Bola Tinubu’s government that security is improving across the country.

A security source told Peoples Gazette that no fewer than 26 soldiers were killed in the attack, adding the incident happened on Tuesday.

A Niger resident close to the community, who spoke to The Gazette on condition of anonymity, said villagers had got information about the attack, adding many of them fled for safety.

“Villagers were deserting their homes having got the first-hand information that bandits were going to attack,” the source said on Wednesday. “Even though they did not know the exact information about when the attack would take place, they had to flee for safety. The security of Niger State is very porous. People are in the hands of God.”

The Nigerian Army could not be reached immediately for comment. However, in a statement on Wednesday, the army acknowledged a raid on the Niger base but downplayed the death toll inflicted on its troops.

It said its troops, in response, launched counter-attacks, killing many bandits.

This development came days after no fewer than 48 security operatives were reportedly killed by rampaging bandits led by the notorious Bello Turji following an ambush near Shinkafi LGA in Zamfara.

Recently, Mr Tinubu boasted that his administration was better at coordinating intelligence committed to improving the security situation across the country.

In his June 12 Democracy Day speech, the president said, “National Security is the foundation of peace and progress. We have intensified security operations to reclaim communities from criminals and terrorists.

“We are better at coordinating intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation has improved. Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country.”