The Nigerian Army says four soldiers and two officers were killed on Friday during an ambush by terrorists in Niger state.
In a statement on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the army
spokesperson, said troops of 1 division deployed to Erena and Allawa
communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger state were ambushed by terrorists while on
a fighting patrol to Karaga village.
Nwachukwu said the troops, despite the ambush, engaged the
terrorists and eliminated several of them.
He added that some weapons were also recovered.
The bandits invaded many villages in the LGA and operated
for three consecutive days.
A source said the soldiers were killed when the armoured
personnel carrier (APC) being used by the troops developed a fault.
“The armoured personnel carrier of the soldiers developed a
fault during the encounter which forced the troops to retreat,” the source
said.
“The soldiers lost
their men, including the two captains in Allawa and Erena. Six soldiers died
during the gun battle. A hunter was also killed during the attack.”
However, the army spokesperson said “it was an ambush and
not an equipment failure”.
He said two officers who sustained injuries are currently at
a military hospital receiving medical attention.
He said the army is currently pursuing surviving terrorists,
adding that the deceased Muslim soldiers have been buried in line with Islamic
rights and approval from their families.
“Troops of 1 Division Nigerian army deployed at
Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting
patrol to Karaga village in Shiroro local government area of Niger State had an
encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on 19 April 2024,” the statement
reads.
“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.
“The general officer commanding 1 Division and commander
Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen Landers Saraso has on behalf of the chief of army
staff sympathised with the families of the deceased personnel and promised them
that the unfortunate setback will be avenged by the troops.
“He said the troops
are currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the
encounter.”
Nwachukwu said the general officer commanding (GOC) urged
the residents to carry on with their normal activities, adding that the army is
committed to ensuring their safety.
He added that the deceased officers were buried at the
militarycantonment cemetery in Minna, the Niger state capital.
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