An improvised explosive device (IED) has killed an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Nurudeen, in Jakana, Konduga local government area, along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road in Borno State.
Nurudeen was on Thursday among those inspecting the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) powerlines brought down by unknown persons when the tragedy struck.
A reliable source within the Borno State NSCDC Command told LEADERSHIP Weekend that Nurudeen alerted his colleagues upon stepping on the device and asked them to move back. He lifted his leg, but the IED immediately detonated, fatally injuring him.
NSCDC Borno State spokesman, Bulus James, said Nurudeen was on duty with the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as part of a joint patrol unit responding to the downed power lines.
The RRS, comprising NSCDC and other security agencies was established to safeguard the Maiduguri-Damaturu route frequently targeted by Boko Haram terrorists.
James explained that the patrol team observed the fallen TCN lines and as standard procedure, stopped to take photographs for reporting purposes. Tragically, Nurudeen stepped on the hidden IED, resulting in his instant death. The NSCDC team evacuated Nurudeen’s remains to the state specialist hospital where his death was confirmed. He was subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.
