Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have laid an ambush on a monitoring team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The spokesperson for the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, who disclosed this in a statement, said the NSCDC team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks, was mobilised in response to recent attacks on power lines, a development that had led to a blackout in the northern part of Nigeria.
Babawale said the attack happened on Monday, in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, when the operatives were inspecting the National Grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.
“As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety.
“Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 armed Boko Haram militants had laid a deadly ambush from a hilltop, ready to unleash a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy
“Determined and resourceful, the NSCDC operatives fought back valiantly, managing to neutralise over 50 insurgents during the exchange.
“However, the chaos left seven officers unaccounted for, prompting an urgent search in the bush for their whereabouts. Those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical treatment,” he said.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, on his part, condemned the attack, labelling it a cowardly act against personnel committed to the nation’s defence.
He, however, hailed the courage and determination of the operatives, emphasising the Corps’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure amid rising security challenges.