Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of two officers and four soldiers by terrorists in Niger State.
how four soldiers and two officers were killed on Friday in an ambush by terrorists in Niger State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said troops from 1 Division were on their way to Erena and Allawa communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State when were ambushed by terrorists on Friday.
He said despite the ambush, the troops engaged the terrorists and eliminated several of them.
Nwachukwu added that some weapons were also recovered.
The bandits were said to have invaded many villages in the LGA and operated for three consecutive days.
The army spokesperson dismissed some reports blaming the incident on equipment failure.
He said : “it was an ambush and not an equipment failure.”
According to him, two officers who sustained injuries are currently at a military hospital receiving treatment.
Nwachukwu said the Army is currently pursuing surviving terrorists, adding that the deceased Muslim soldiers have been buried in line with Islamic rites and approval from their families.
The statement reads : “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.
“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 have 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 Commending 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 military cantonment cemetery in Minna, the Niger state capital. (vitalnewsngr.com)
