Six Bodies of Missing Soldiers Recovered Following Boko Haram Clash in Niger State

The bodies of six Nigerian military personnel, who had been missing since last week’s gun battle in the Alawa areas of Shiroro Local Government in Niger State, have been recovered. The fierce confrontation occurred last Friday between the Nigerian military, local vigilante groups, and armed assailants believed to be members of the notorious Boko Haram sect.

The conflict ensued after the gunmen, numbering in the hundreds, stormed the Bassa community, setting ablaze two houses in the nearby Masigo community. Responding to distress calls from these communities, the Military Joint Task Force from Alawa, Erena, and Pandogari, alongside local vigilante groups in Shiroro, launched a counterattack, leading to an intense battle at Lolo in the Alawa area.

According to local sources, who requested anonymity, the recovered bodies included a captain, a major, and four other soldiers. It was also revealed that these military personnel had lost their way while pursuing the armed insurgents in the forest on Friday night. The recovered bodies were found with bullet wounds to their heads, indicating the severity of the confrontation.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, General Garba Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the recovery of the bodies and stated that efforts were underway to track down the Boko Haram insurgents. However, he declined to provide specific casualty figures from the clash. As of this report, the military authorities have yet to confirm the reported killings of their personnel.

The affected areas are now under military surveillance, with ongoing operations aimed at restoring security and apprehending the attackers.