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On November 18, 2024, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed and killed four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an inspection of the National Grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
The officers were on a mission to ensure the security of vital national infrastructure when they were attacked. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region, where the fight against insurgency continues to claim the lives of those tasked with protecting the country’s most essential services.
The attack took place near the border between Niger and Kaduna states, leaving one officer unaccounted for and raising further concerns about the safety of security personnel in the area. While two other officers managed to return to base unharmed, the missing officer’s fate remains uncertain, adding to the gravity of an already tragic incident.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Babawale Afolabi, shared this information in a statement issued on Thursday, confirming the tragic details of the ambush and its aftermath.
“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 state by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation.
“As at 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,” Afolabi disclosed.
In the statement, Dr. Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased officers and sent words of solidarity to the officers who were injured, reassuring them of the organization’s full support during their recovery.
While visiting the wounded personnel on Thursday at a medical facility, Dr. Ahmed Audi commended their bravery and reassured them of the NSCDC’s full backing, including taking responsibility for their medical expenses and addressing any other welfare needs they may have.
Audi described the incident as a tragic loss and condemned the terrorist attack, highlighting the risks officers face in their duties.
He noted the exceptional courage displayed by the personnel in defending national assets and directed immediate financial and logistical support to ensure the injured receive proper care.
He also pledged to expedite insurance benefits for the affected families.
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As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.
He called on the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland and, hence, deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to.
“The visit was necessary to know how they are fairing and to encourage those directly affected and all personnel at large that the leadership of the Corps places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them, especially in a situation like this”, he assured.
The attack occurred on November 18, in the Farin-Kasa area of the Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks from various NSCDC commands, had completed surveillance activities in Shiroro and was en route to their base when they were attacked.
The ambush came as the team escorted stranded expatriates, found in the bush around Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site.
Over 200 heavily armed insurgents reportedly attacked the convoy from the top of a hill, opening fire with sophisticated weapons.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing more than 50 insurgents during the crossfire.
