An unspecified number of soldiers were feared killed as gunmen laid ambush and launched an attack Thursday afternoon on a military outpost in Marina, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack was carried out around 1pm on Thursday, according to eyewitness’ account.

It was not clear the casualties suffered on either side, but some soldiers were feared killed.

The soldiers were said to be returning from a military operation from nearby forests when they were ambushed.

A resident of the area, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said: “Unknown to the soldiers, the bandits had laid ambush in their outpost. The bandits opened fire immediately the soldiers returned to the posts”.

“It is unfortunate because the soldiers were just returning from another operations, where they have made tremendous success, combing the forests for the bandits, only to be waylaid in their base,” he said.

Another resident, however, said two of the bandits were also killed by the army during the gun duel.

Attempts to confirm the incident from the Military or the Police authorities proved abortive.