NSCDC Operatives Repel Boko Haram Ambush, Neutralise Over 50 Insurgents.
A monitoring team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) tasked with safeguarding National Grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, successfully repelled a deadly ambush by Boko Haram insurgents. The operatives demonstrated exceptional courage and neutralised over 50 terrorists during the fierce encounter.
The attack occurred on Monday at approximately 3:40 p.m. in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The NSCDC team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks from various commands, was ambushed while returning from a surveillance mission. The mission was part of a broader effort to address recent attacks on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, which had caused a nationwide blackout.
In a statement, NSCDC spokesman Afolabi Babawale explained that the team had encountered expatriates stranded near Dagwachi Village in Niger State. The expatriates, returning from a mining site, joined the convoy for protection. Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 heavily armed Boko Haram militants were lying in wait atop a hill, launching a sudden attack using sophisticated weaponry.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives displayed extraordinary bravery. In the intense crossfire, the team neutralised over 50 insurgents, significantly disrupting the ambush. However, seven operatives remain unaccounted for, and efforts to locate them are underway. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The NSCDC has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. Babawale noted that the ambush underscored the risks faced by security operatives in their efforts to safeguard national assets. He commended the gallantry of the operatives, describing their actions as a testament to their dedication.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack as “callous and unfortunate.” He pledged continued vigilance in securing national infrastructure and commended the team’s resilience. The Corps remains steadfast in its mission to support the government’s agenda of restoring stable electricity nationwide.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by insurgent groups and underscores the sacrifices made by security forces to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure.
