By Enioluwa Adeniyi

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead following an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

The attack, which occurred on November 18, 2024, near the boundary between Niger and Kaduna states, also left one officer missing, while two others managed to return to base unharmed.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

The officers were reportedly on a routine inspection of critical national grid infrastructure when the insurgents launched their attack.

Afolabi said, “Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation.

“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action.”

According to the statement, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the injured officers.

Visiting the wounded personnel at a medical facility on Thursday, Audi commended their bravery and assured them of the Corps’ unwavering support, including full coverage of medical expenses and other welfare needs.

Audi described the incident as a tragic loss and condemned the terrorist attack, highlighting the risks officers face in their duties.

He noted the exceptional courage displayed by the personnel in defending national assets and directed immediate financial and logistical support to ensure the injured received proper care.

He also pledged to expedite insurance benefits for the affected families.

As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.

He called on the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

He added, “The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to.

“The visit was necessary to know how they are fairing and to encourage those directly affected and all personnel at large that the leadership of the Corps places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them, especially in a situation like this.”

The attack occurred on November 18 in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks from various NSCDC commands, had completed surveillance activities in Shiroro and was en route to their base when they were attacked.

The ambush came as the team escorted stranded expatriates, found in the bush around Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site.

Over 200 heavily armed insurgents reportedly attacked the convoy from the top of a hill, opening fire with sophisticated weapons.

Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives successfully repelled the attack, neutralising more than 50 insurgents during the crossfire.