A tragic incident unfolded in Nigeria’s northcentral region when a helicopter sent to rescue military personnel from a deadly attack was shot down by gunmen, leading to the deaths of everyone on board, according to witnesses. The helicopter, an MI-171 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, was on a mission to evacuate casualties in Niger state, an area frequently targeted by armed gangs known as bandits.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash but did not provide details about the casualties, stating that the cause of the crash was under investigation. However, local residents in the Shiroro district of Niger state reported that the helicopter was deliberately shot down by bandits as it attempted to airlift soldiers who had been injured or killed in an earlier attack.

These bandit groups, largely made up of former herdsmen, have been involved in violent clashes with farming communities over land and water resources for years. The conflict has escalated, leading to frequent deadly attacks in the region.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences in a statement, acknowledging the sacrifice of the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. “In their dedicated service to our beloved country, they paid the ultimate price,” Tinubu said.

Videos that circulated online purportedly showed the aftermath of the crash, with bodies strewn around the wreckage of the burnt helicopter. The gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, were seen boasting about their success in downing the aircraft.

A youth leader from Shiroro, Bangida Kudodo, told reporters that villagers witnessed the helicopter being shot down by the bandits. He estimated that at least 20 military personnel died in both the initial attack and the subsequent crash. Kudodo added that the gunmen have since taken control of the local villages, holding residents hostage.

Another resident, Samaila Samu, identified the leader of the attacking bandits as Dogo Gide, a notorious gang leader who has long evaded capture and military airstrikes. Samu explained that the helicopter was brought down while attempting to retrieve the bodies of soldiers killed in an earlier village attack.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in securing its remote regions from violent groups. Despite President Tinubu’s campaign promises to prioritize security and end such deadly attacks, the situation remains dire, with banditry continuing to plague the country’s northern communities.