Seven NSCDC Officials Missing After Suspected Boko Haram Ambush in Niger State

A team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Monday while inspecting a National Grid installation in the Shiroro area of Niger State. The incident, which occurred in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area in Kaduna State, has left seven operatives missing and several others injured.

According to NSCDC spokesperson DCC Afolabi Babawale, the team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks, had been deployed to patrol vulnerable areas in response to recent attacks on power lines that caused widespread blackouts in northern Nigeria. During their mission, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village and offered them safety by integrating them into their convoy. However, unknown to the team, over 200 armed insurgents had positioned themselves on a nearby hill, ready to ambush.

The insurgents unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the convoy, resulting in a fierce exchange. Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives fought back, reportedly neutralizing over 50 insurgents during the battle. The aftermath of the encounter, however, left seven officers unaccounted for, triggering a search operation in the surrounding area. The injured personnel are currently receiving medical care.

NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act against officers committed to national defense. He commended the bravery of the operatives and reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure amidst escalating security challenges.