An ambush by suspected bandits in Katsina State on Saturday left at least 16 soldiers and officers dead and 28 others wounded.

Troops of the Special Army Super Camp 4 were advancing on foot in Shimfida in Jibia local government area of Katsina State at about 6:13 p.m. Saturday when the armed militants opened fire on them from a hilltop, military sources said.

The officers killed in the attack included a major, a captain and a lieutenant, military sources revealed.

Two bandits were also injured in the exchanges, officials briefed on the matter said.

When contacted, army spokesperson, Sagir Musa, said he could neither confirm nor comment on the attack as he was hearing it for the first time.

PT