Key Points
- Four officers confirmed dead in Boko Haram ambush.
- Two NSCDC officers returned unharmed from the attack.
- Commandant Audi pledges support for the families and injured.
On November 18, 2024, Boko Haram militants assaulted four Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers during an examination of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, resulting in their confirmed deaths.
NSCDC officers ambushed during Niger grid inspection
One officer was reportedly reported missing in the attack, which took place close to the border between the states of Kaduna and Niger. Two others came back safely. NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi stated, “As of today, four bodies have been recovered, two men returned to base unharmed, and one officer is still missing in action.”
Dr. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, offered condolences to the families of the fallen and showed support for the wounded officers.
Audi praised the bravery of the injured officers and assured them of the Corps’ full assistance, which includes paying for their medical bills and other welfare requirements, during a visit to a medical facility on Thursday.Â
Commandant General condemns deadly Boko Haram attack
According to punch, He denounced the terrorist act and called the occurrence a heartbreaking loss, emphasising the dangers that police officers endure while performing their jobs.
In addition to directing immediate financial and logistical help to provide proper care for the injured, the Commandant General commended the personnel for their bravery in safeguarding national assets. Additionally, he promised to accelerate the impacted families’ insurance benefits. Audi asked Corps members to be alert and unfazed by the loss while investigations proceed.
In order to fight insecurity and safeguard Nigerians’ lives and property, he urged the public to assist the Corps and other security organisations.
“They deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to; the personnel demonstrated unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their country,” Audi stated.
“The visit was necessary to check on their well-being and to inspire all personnel, including those directly affected, that the Corps leadership places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them, especially in a situation like this,” he continued.
The attack took place in the Farin-Kasa neighbourhood of Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area on November 18.
After completing surveillance in Shiroro, the team—which included nine officers and 71 other ranks from several NSCDC commands—was on their way back to base when they were ambushed.
It has been stated that about 200 well armed rebels used sophisticated weapons to attack the convoy from a hilltop. Over fifty terrorists were neutralized as the NSCDC officers successfully resisted the onslaught despite being outnumbered.
