4 NSCDC officers killed during national grid inspection

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead after an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection of national grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The incident occurred on November 18, 2024.

The attack, which took place near the boundary between Niger and Kaduna states, also left one officer missing. Two others from the team managed to return to base unharmed.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi recounted the incident.

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“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT, and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation.

“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action,” Afolabi stated.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and visited the injured officers to commend their bravery. He assured the injured personnel of full medical coverage and reiterated the Corps’ commitment to supporting its officers.

During his visit to the wounded personnel at a medical facility, Audi said, “The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to.”

He described the incident as a tragic loss and condemned the attack, highlighting the risks officers face in protecting national assets. Audi directed immediate financial and logistical support to the injured personnel and promised expedited insurance benefits for the families of the deceased.

The ambush occurred in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as the team, comprising nine officers and 71 other ranks, was escorting stranded expatriates found in the bush near Dagwachi Village. The expatriates had been returning from a mining site when the convoy was attacked.

Over 200 heavily armed insurgents reportedly launched the attack from a hilltop, using sophisticated weapons. Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives repelled the assault, neutralising more than 50 insurgents in the firefight.

Dr. Audi urged Corps members to remain vigilant and undeterred by the tragedy while calling on the public to support security agencies in their efforts to combat insecurity and protect lives and property.

“The visit was necessary to know how they are faring and to encourage those directly affected and all personnel at large that the leadership of the Corps places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them, especially in a situation like this,” he said.