The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed its monitoring team in Kaduna, leaving seven officers missing.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC spokesperson, disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun Local Government Area while the team was inspecting the national grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.
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Babawale revealed that the team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was deployed in response to recent attacks on power lines that caused a widespread blackout in northern Nigeria.
“As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety,” the statement read. “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.”
Despite the surprise attack, the NSCDC operatives fought back, neutralizing over 50 insurgents during the exchange. Babawale added, “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.”
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly assault on personnel committed to protecting the nation. He praised the bravery of the operatives and reaffirmed the corps’ dedication to securing critical national infrastructure amid escalating security threats.
