Nigerian Army has recounted how four soldiers and two officers were killed on Friday in an ambush by terrorists in Niger State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said troops of 1 Division deployed to Erena and Allawa communities in Shiroro LGA of Niger State were ambushed by terrorists while on a fighting patrol to Karaga village.
He said despite the ambush, the troops engaged the terrorists and eliminated several of them.
Nwachukwu added that some weapons were also recovered.
The bandits were said to have invaded many villages in the LGA and operated for three consecutive days.
It was learnt that the soldiers were killed when the Armoured Personnel Carrier being used by the troops developed a fault and the troops had to beat a retreat.
According to a source, “The armoured personnel carrier of the soldiers developed a fault during the encounter which forced the troops to retreat.
“The soldiers lost their men, including the two captains in Allawa and Erena. Six soldiers died during the gun battle. A hunter was also killed during the attack.”
But the army spokesperson said “it was an ambush and not an equipment failure”.
He said two officers who sustained injuries are currently at a military hospital receiving medical attention.
Nwachukwu said the Army is currently pursuing surviving terrorists, adding that the deceased Muslim soldiers have been buried in line with Islamic rights and approval from their families.
The statement read, “Troops of 1 Division Nigerian army deployed at Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga village in Shiroro local government area of Niger State had an encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on 19 April 2024.
“Troops gallantly fought through the ambush and eliminated several of the terrorists as well as captured some of their equipment.
“Sadly, the troops suffered a temporary setback as 6 personnel comprising 2 officers and 4 soldiers paid the supreme price.
“The general officer commanding 1 Division and commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen Landers Saraso has on behalf of the chief of army staff sympathised with the families of the deceased personnel and promised them that the unfortunate setback will be avenged by the troops.
“He said the troops are currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter.”
Nwachukwu said the General Officer Commending urged the residents to carry on with their normal activities, adding that the Army is committed to ensuring their safety.
He added that the deceased officers were buried at the military cantonment cemetery in Minna, the Niger state capital.
