A team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conducting surveillance on the National Grid Installation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State was ambushed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Kaduna State.
The attack occurred on Monday, around 15:40 hours, in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as the NSCDC convoy, which included nine officers and 71 other ranks, was returning from their surveillance duties.
The team had been deployed in response to repeated attacks on the National Grid that led to nationwide blackouts.
NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, stated that the monitoring squad, composed of officers from the Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), FCT Command, and Kaduna State Command, was ambushed by over 200 Boko Haram militants.
“From the top of a hill at Farin-Kasa, they opened fire upon sighting the long convoy of the NSCDC monitoring team using various sophisticated weapons,” Babawale explained.
The attack occurred after the team encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village, who were returning from a mining site in Niger State.
The NSCDC convoy allowed the expatriates to join for protection through the area. Unbeknownst to them, the militants had laid in wait for the security operatives, launching their assault as the convoy passed through.
Despite being ambushed, Babawale stated that the NSCDC operatives repelled the attack, neutralizing over 50 insurgents in the ensuing firefight. However, seven members of the NSCDC team are currently missing, and a search is underway.
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A few others who sustained injuries are receiving medical treatment at a healthcare facility.
Babawale reassured that the NSCDC, as the leading agency in the protection of critical national assets, would not be deterred by the attack.
He emphasized that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s infrastructure and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to revive the power sector.
NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Ahmed Audi, while awaiting a full report from the field officers, condemned the ambush, calling it a “callous” and “unfortunate” attack on personnel who are dedicated to the defense of the country.
“This attack is one too many on our security operatives who have sworn to protect the country,” he said.
Audi also praised the courage and resilience of the operatives, stating, “The Corps is proud of them and will never forget their unflinching commitment.”
The NSCDC has vowed to continue its efforts in protecting national assets and maintaining peace, despite the increasing threats posed by insurgent groups like Boko Haram.
