Three soldiers were buried on Thursday following an IED explosion in Sokoto State. They died Saturday when a bomb planted beneath their vehicle detonated in Bargaja community.
The troops were responding to a distress call after bandits attacked the village. Investigators believe the improvised explosive device was set by the same criminal network.
Giginya Barracks hosted the funeral prayers ceremony. Government officials, military personnel, and bereaved families attended the solemn event.
Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir represented Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the service. He conveyed Sokoto's sympathies to the Nigerian Army and the soldiers' families.
Gobir called the three men heroes who gave their lives protecting communities. He asked their relatives and comrades to stay strong through this tragedy.
According to him, the state government remains committed to backing security agencies. Sokoto will continue supplying resources needed to fight banditry and restore peace.
After the funeral, Gobir visited wounded soldiers and attack survivors at a hospital. He promised the government's ongoing assistance to all affected persons.
Isa Local Government sits near the Kamuku-Kuyambana forest corridor linking Zamfara State. This region has become a stronghold for bandits connected to leader Bello Turji.
Armed groups operate freely across communities in the area. They've launched repeated attacks on residents and military patrols throughout recent months.
Local residents are now calling for urgent action from authorities. They want improved patrol vehicles and mine-detection systems deployed immediately.
Such technology could reduce casualties among troops working in the region. Residents say better equipment is critical to fighting the security crisis.
Security operations continue across Sokoto despite the recent losses. Military commanders say they'll intensify efforts to neutralize bandit networks.
