* Two soldiers wounded, hospitalised
*Says troops gallantly fought through the ambush, eliminated several terrorists, captured equipment
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Army Headquarters said weekend that two army officers and four soldiers were killed during a fire-fight with terrorists in Niger State following an ambush. It said two soldiers were wounded and hospitalised.
A statement signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said six personnel paid the supreme price following the fire-fight.
It said troops gallantly fought through the ambush and eliminated several terrorists and captured equipment.
The statement said, “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 six personnel comprising two officers and four soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The statement said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, 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 were on the trail of some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter.
Nwachukwu urged the people of the state to go about their legitimate activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies will ensure their protection at all times.
The Nigerian Army headquarters further stated that in line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army had contacted the next of kin of the fallen heroes, while burial had been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.
It said the Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial, which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery, by Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.
The deputy governor, representative of the COAS, GOC, and other senior officers also visited the two wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the military hospital and subsequently paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased.
“We urge the general public, particularly the good people of Niger and contiguous states, to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops,” the statement said.
