Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead after a Boko Haram ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
The attack occurred near the Niger-Kaduna state boundary during an inspection tour of national grid installations on November 18, 2024.
NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 28.
Afolabi revealed that of the seven officers initially reported missing, four bodies had been recovered, one officer remains unaccounted for, and two returned to base unharmed.
“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation,” Afolabi stated.
“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action.”
The ambush targeted a convoy of NSCDC personnel escorting expatriates who had been stranded in the Dagwachi Village area after returning from a mining site.
The attack reportedly involved over 200 heavily armed insurgents, who opened fire from an elevated position.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC officers reportedly repelled the assault, neutralising over 50 insurgents during the exchange
The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic loss.
Audi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the bravery of the officers involved.
As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.
He urged the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in combating insecurity and protecting Nigerians’ lives and property.
“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” he said.