TheCable

The Nigerian Army says four soldiers and two officers were killed on Friday during an ambush by terrorists in Niger state.

In a statement on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesperson, 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.

Nwachukwu said the troops, despite the ambush, engaged the terrorists and eliminated several of them.

He added that some weapons were also recovered.

TheCable understands that the bandits invaded many villages in the LGA and operated for three consecutive days.

A source said the soldiers were killed when the armoured personnel carrier (APC) being used by the troops developed a fault.

“The armoured personnel carrier of the soldiers developed a fault during the encounter which forced the troops to retreat,” the source said.

“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.”

However, 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.

He 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.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 commanding (GOC) 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 militarycantonment cemetery in Minna, the Niger state capital.