A monitoring team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents while inspecting the National Grid installation in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The incident occurred on Monday, November 18, in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The NSCDC team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks, had completed surveillance activities in Shiroro and was returning to base when they were ambushed by over 200 heavily armed insurgents. The attackers, stationed atop a hill, opened fire on the convoy using sophisticated weapons. The team had been escorting stranded expatriates found near Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site.
Despite being outnumbered, the operatives successfully repelled the attack, reportedly neutralizing over 50 insurgents in the crossfire. However, seven NSCDC personnel are currently missing, and efforts are underway to locate them. Several operatives sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
The NSCDC team was deployed to monitor and protect national grid installations, which have been frequent targets of attacks and vandalism, leading to disruptions in power supply across the country.
Statement from NSCDC Spokesperson
Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC spokesperson, explained the circumstances surrounding the attack, stating, “Unknown to them, over 200 dreaded armed Boko Haram elements had laid an ambush on a vengeful mission against security operatives who they claimed had been giving them problems. From the top of a hill located at Farin-Kasa, they opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team.”
Despite their disadvantage, the NSCDC operatives demonstrated remarkable resilience, repelling the attack. Afolabi confirmed, “As of the time of filing this report, about seven operatives are missing in action, while others who sustained injuries are undergoing treatment.”
NSCDC Commandant General’s Response
Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, condemned the attack as “callous and unfortunate.” He commended the bravery of the operatives and reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure despite the risks.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the missing personnel and secure the area to prevent further attacks. This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by security agencies in combating terrorism and protecting vital national assets.
