The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killings of two officers and four soldiers during an ambush by terrorists in Niger state.
The army personnel of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army deployed to Allewa and Erena were killed on April 19, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this on Sunday, April 21.
He said: “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 sympathized 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. He urged the good people of the State to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies will ensure their protection at all times.”
According to Nwachukwu, the army, in line with its customs and traditions, had contacted the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes, while burial was conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.
He said the Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe.
Nwachukwu said: “The Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC, and other senior officers also visited the two wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the Military Hospital and subsequently paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased.”
