Fierce Gun Duel: NSCDC Repels Boko Haram, 50 Killed, 7 Officers Missing
A monitoring team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while inspecting a National Grid installation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The attack occurred on Monday, November 18, at approximately 3:40 p.m., in Farin-Kasa, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The special monitoring convoy, comprising nine officers and 71 personnel from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, and the Kaduna State Command, was crossing from Shiroro after a surveillance mission.
This mission was initiated following a nationwide blackout caused by recurrent attacks on the grid infrastructure by bandits and vandals. The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, had directed the deployment of the team to assess damage, conduct surveillance, and apprehend culprits.
During the operation, the team encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village in Niger State. The expatriates, returning from a mining site, joined the convoy for protection. Unknown to the group, over 200 heavily armed Boko Haram operatives had laid an ambush in the Farin-Kasa area.
From a vantage point atop a hill, the terrorists launched a fierce attack, using sophisticated weapons to target the convoy. Despite the assault, the NSCDC operatives repelled the ambush, neutralizing over 50 terrorists in the ensuing crossfire.
However, seven NSCDC personnel remain missing, and search efforts are underway to locate them. Several other operatives sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a medical facility.
In a statement, the Commandant General condemned the attack, describing it as "callous and unfortunate." He commended the operatives for their courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
Dr. Audi emphasized that the NSCDC would not be deterred by such acts of sabotage and pledged continued efforts to protect government assets and ensure the realization of stable electricity supply across the nation.
Comments