The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death, in an ambush, of six personnel of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed to Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the personnel comprised two officers and four soldiers, were killed in terrorists ambush on Friday, 19 April, 2024.
Nwachukwu said despite the setback, the troops gallantly fought through the ambush and eliminated several of the terrorists as well as captured some of their equipment.
“Sadly, the troops suffered a temporary setback as 6 personnel comprising 2 officers and 4 soldiers paid the supreme price,” he said.
Nwachukwu said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff sympathised with the families of the deceased personnel.
They promised that the unfortunate setback will be avenged by the troops.
The Army spokesman said troops are currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter.
He quoted the GOC to have urged the people of the state to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies will ensure their protection at all times.
The statement added that Nigerian Army, has in line with customs and traditions, contacted the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes, while “burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members”.
He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.
Meanwhile the state’s Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC and other senior officers also visited the two wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the military hospital and subsequently paid condolence visit to the families of the deceased.
The army therefore, urged the general public, particularly the people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops.
