Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead following an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents on November 18, 2024. The attack occurred during an inspection tour of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, near the boundary with Kaduna State. One officer remains missing, while two others returned to base unharmed.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, explaining that seven personnel from the Corps’ Special Squad had initially been declared missing after the ambush. According to Afolabi, four bodies were later recovered, two officers returned uninjured, and one remains missing.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased officers and visited the injured personnel at a medical facility. During the visit, he commended the officers for their bravery and reassured them of the Corps’ unwavering support, including covering all medical expenses and providing welfare assistance. He described the attack as a tragic loss and condemned the actions of the insurgents.
Dr. Audi also praised the exceptional courage displayed by the officers in defending national assets under difficult circumstances. He directed the immediate release of financial and logistical support for the injured and pledged to expedite insurance benefits for the families of the deceased officers.
The attack took place in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as the team escorted stranded expatriates found near Dagwachi Village who were returning from a mining site. The convoy was ambushed by over 200 insurgents armed with sophisticated weapons, who attacked from an elevated position.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing more than 50 insurgents during the intense crossfire. The team, consisting of nine officers and 71 other ranks from various NSCDC commands, had completed surveillance activities in Shiroro and was returning to base when the ambush occurred.
Dr. Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred in their duties despite the loss, highlighting the risks involved in protecting national assets and combating insecurity. He called on the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in their mission to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.
He emphasized the need to honor the sacrifices of the personnel who showed unwavering commitment to their duty and assured all officers of the Corps’ dedication to their welfare, especially in challenging times like this.
