Suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, monitoring team in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was on a mission to inspect the National Grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State, after a series of attacks on power lines had caused widespread blackouts in the northern part of the country.
In a statement by NSCDC spokesperson, DCC Afolabi Babawale, the team encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village and included them in their convoy for safety. However, they were ambushed by over 200 armed Boko Haram militants, who attacked from a hilltop.
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Despite the surprise, the NSCDC operatives retaliated fiercely, neutralizing more than 50 insurgents. The attack left seven officers unaccounted for, triggering an urgent search operation in the surrounding bush. Several personnel sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, condemned the ambush, describing it as a “cowardly act” against officers dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
“This attack will not deter our resolve. We will remain steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure,” Audi stated.
The Corps reassured the public of its commitment to combating insecurity while mourning the sacrifices of its gallant personnel. The search for the missing officers continues as investigations into the incident are underway.
Credible News.ng