A team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was attacked by Boko Haram insurgents while inspecting the National Grid installation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The ambush occurred in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The team, made up of nine officers and 71 other ranks from different NSCDC commands, had finished their surveillance activities in Shiroro and was heading back to their base when the attack took place, as stated by the corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.
The ambush happened as the team was escorting stranded expatriates from a mining site in the bush around Dagwachi Village. More than 200 heavily armed insurgents attacked the convoy from a hilltop, using sophisticated weapons. Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives fought back and managed to neutralize over 50 insurgents during the exchange of fire. Seven NSCDC officers are currently missing, and search efforts are ongoing to find them. Several personnel sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
The NSCDC team’s mission was to monitor and safeguard the National Grid installations due to recent attacks and vandalism that had led to a nationwide power outage. The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, praised the operatives for their bravery in repelling the assault and reiterated the Corps’ dedication to protecting critical national infrastructure despite facing such challenges.