The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the death of four of its officers who were ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, the attack occurred on November 18, 2024, near the boundary between Niger and Kaduna states. “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 state by the Boko Haram insurgents,” Afolabi said.
Afolabi disclosed that out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered, two men returned to base unhurt while one is still missing in action. “As at 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,” he said.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the injured officers. “The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland and, hence, deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” Audi said.
Audi visited the wounded personnel at a medical facility on Thursday, commending their bravery and assuring them of the Corps’ unwavering support. “The visit was necessary to know how they are faring and to encourage those directly affected and all personnel at large that the leadership of the Corps places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them, especially in a situation like this,” he assured.
The attack occurred in the Farin-Kasa area of the Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks from various NSCDC commands, had completed surveillance activities in Shiroro and was en route to their base when they were attacked.
The ambush came as the team escorted stranded expatriates, found in the bush around Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site. Over 200 heavily armed insurgents reportedly attacked the convoy from the top of a hill, opening fire with sophisticated weapons.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing more than 50 insurgents during the crossfire. “The personnel demonstrated exceptional courage and bravery in defending national assets and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians,” Audi said.
Audi called on the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity and protect the lives and property of Nigerians. “We appreciate the support of the public and urge them to continue to cooperate with us in our efforts to maintain peace and security in the country,” he said.
