Martins Olasehinde
An ambush by Boko Haram terrorists led to the death of four Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers during an inspection tour of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State on November 18, 2024, the spokesman for the security agency said on Thursday.
The attack occurred near the boundary of Niger and Kaduna states while the team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks, was returning from Shiroro after escorting stranded expatriates found in the bush around Dagwachi Village.
Over 200 heavily armed insurgents ambushed the convoy from a hilltop, opening fire with sophisticated weapons, according to local reports.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives repelled the attack, reportedly neutralising over 50 insurgents in the gunfight.
“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation.
“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action,” NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi confirmed in a statement on Thursday,
NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, visited the wounded officers at a medical facility on Thursday and commended their bravery.
“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” Dr Audi said.
The NSCDC boss described the incident as a tragic loss, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and pledging unwavering support for the injured.
He further assured that insurance benefits for affected families would be expedited and called for public collaboration to combat insecurity.
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