Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have ambushed a monitoring team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The attack occurred on Monday, in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State when the operatives were inspecting the National Grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.
Disclosing this in a statement, NSCDC spokesperson, DCC Afolabi Babawale, said the NSCDC team, comprised of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was mobilised in response to recent attacks on power lines, a development that had led to a blackout due in northern part of Nigeria.
“As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety. Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 armed Boko Haram militants had laid a deadly ambush from a hilltop, ready to unleash a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy,” he said.
“Determined and resourceful, the NSCDC operatives fought back valiantly, managing to neutralise over 50 insurgents during the exchange. However, the chaos left seven officers unaccounted for, prompting an urgent search in the bush for their whereabouts. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical treatment.”
On his part, NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, labelling it as a cowardly act against personnel committed to the nation’s defence.
He praised the courage and determination of the operatives, emphasising the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure amid rising security challenges.