The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced that a group of suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed its monitoring team in Kaduna, resulting in seven officers being unaccounted for.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale disclosed that the incident took place on Monday in the Farin-Kasa region of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna while the monitoring team was assessing the national grid infrastructure in Shiroro, Niger state.
Babawale explained that the team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was deployed in response to recent assaults on power lines that caused a blackout in northern Nigeria.
“As they monitored vulnerable locations, they came across stranded expatriates near Dagwachi village and allowed them to join their convoy for protection,” the statement stated.
“Unbeknownst to the team, more than 200 armed Boko Haram fighters had positioned themselves on a hilltop, prepared to unleash a barrage of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy.
“Despite the perilous situation, the NSCDC personnel bravely fought back, taking down over 50 insurgents during the confrontation.
“However, the turmoil resulted in seven officers being unaccounted for, prompting an immediate search in the bush to locate them. Those who were injured are presently receiving medical care.”
Ahmed Audi, the commandant-general of NSCDC, denounced the attack, calling it a cowardly act against those committed to the nation’s protection. He praised the courage and resolve of the personnel, reaffirming the corps’ dedication to securing vital national assets and infrastructure despite escalating security challenges.
