ASHENEWS reports that terrorists on Friday killed six personnel of the Nigerian Army during an ambush while on fighting patrol in Shiroro local government area of Niger State.
It was gathered the deceased, including two officers and four soldiers belonged to Troops of 1 Division of the Nigeria Army.
Confirming the development, the Director, of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, while speaking on Sunday in Abuja said that the troops killed several terrorists and also recovered some of the terrorists’ equipment were recovered.
Nwachukwu added that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander of “Operation Whirl Punch,” Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso had sent condolences to the families of the deceased personnel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.”
He stated that Maj.-Gen. Saraso had assured that the unfortunate loss of personnel would be avenged as troops were currently trailing terrorists who fled from the encounter.
Saraso also urged the people of Niger to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure their protection at all times.
“In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army has contacted the Next-of-Kin of the fallen heroes while burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the approval of their family members.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.”
Also commenting on the incident, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago sympathized with the Nigerian Army over the killing of the personnel by bandits.
The Governor, in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim described the incident as atrocious, provocative and unacceptable.
The Niger state governor assured the Nigerian Army and every other conventional and non-conventional security agency that his administration will not rest on its oars in providing all the needed support towards halting the nefarious activities of bandits.
According to the governor’s statement, the deceased comprised a captain, soldiers, and a vigilante.
He said that they were ambushed while on their way to respond to a distress call around the Bassa and Alawa communities in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state.
