NSCDC confirms death of 4 personnel in Boko Haram ambush
Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead following an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on November 18, 2024.
The ambush, which occurred near the boundary between Niger and Kaduna states, also left one officer missing, while two others returned to base unhurt.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
“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,” Afolabi said.
“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.”
According to the statement, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the injured officers.
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While visiting the wounded personnel at a medical facility on Thursday, Audi commended their bravery and assured them of the Corps’ unwavering support, including full medical expenses and welfare provisions.
He described the incident as a tragic loss and condemned the attack, while highlighting the courage exhibited by the operatives in defending national assets.
Audi also announced plans to expedite insurance benefits for the families of the deceased and directed the immediate disbursement of financial and logistical support to ensure the injured received adequate care.
“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. The visit was necessary to know how they are fairing 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,” Audi stated.
The attack occurred on November 18 in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks from various NSCDC commands, had concluded surveillance activities in Shiroro and was en route to their base when they were attacked.
The convoy was ambushed by over 200 heavily armed insurgents, who opened fire from a hilltop using sophisticated weapons. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives put up a valiant fight, repelling the attackers and reportedly neutralising over 50 insurgents during the confrontation.
The ambush took place as the team was escorting stranded expatriates found in the bush around Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site.
As investigations into the ambush continue, Audi urged all NSCDC personnel to remain vigilant and steadfast in their duties despite the tragedy. He also called on members of the public to support security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard lives and property across the nation.
The attack underscores the risks faced by security operatives in their mission to protect national assets and secure the lives of citizens in Nigeria.
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