The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) successfully repelled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram elements, neutralizing over 50 attackers in Kaduna State. However, seven officers remain missing after the confrontation, which occurred following a patrol of the national power grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
The incident happened around 3:40 p.m. in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna. The ambush targeted a convoy of 80 NSCDC personnel from various units, including the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), FCT Command, and Kaduna State Command. The team was returning from a security inspection mission to protect critical national infrastructure.
According to Babawale Afolabi, the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, the attackers, numbering over 200, had strategically positioned themselves on a hill in the Farin-Kasa area. “They opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using different sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives fought back and neutralized over 50 of the assailants. Some officers sustained injuries and are receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing to locate the seven missing personnel.
Recent attacks on power installations have led to nationwide blackouts, prompting the NSCDC to intensify surveillance. The Corps vowed to remain steadfast in its mission to secure vital assets.
Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, described the attack as “callous and unfortunate” and reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring national security and stability.
Afolabi said: “The combined team which embarked on patrol of the National Grid Installation from Shiroro along some flash points and vulnerable areas, however, came across some stranded expatriates in the bush around Dagwachi village axis returning from a mining site at Tutu area of Niger State, that joined the convoy in a bid to protect them through Farin- Kasa Area of Chukun LGA in Kaduna.
“Unknown to them, over 200 armed Boko Haram elements had laid ambushed on a vengeful mission against security operatives who they claimed had been giving them problems. And from the top of a hill located at Farin-Kasa, they opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using different sophisticated weapons.
“The Combined NSCDC operatives in the ambush, however, not overwhelmed by terrorists, repelled the attack and successfully neutralized over 50 of the terrorists in the crossfire. Seven operatives of the NSCDC are currently missing in action and efforts are currently underway to locate them in the bush, while a few others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently undergoing medical treatment in a medical facility.
“The NSCDC as the leading agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure will not be cowed or be deterred by any attack by terrorist or any group of saboteurs trying to sabotage the efforts of government towards actualizing the renewed hope agenda of Mr. president in ensuring the revival of the power sector for a stable electricity supply nationwide.’
“In the meantime, the Commandant General while awaiting the full brief on the incident from the officers on the field described the attack on NSCDC personnel as callous, unfortunate and an attack too many on security operatives who have sworn to the defence of the country.”
