Defence Headquarters confirms 36 soldiers killed in Niger ambush
By Bintu Jidda Kanempress
18th August 2023
Defence Headquarters in Nigeria says no fewer than 36 of its soldiers have been discovered after the ambush on troops in Niger State.
Speaking to newsmen, the Director, Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said onboard the crashed aircraft had 25 previously killed soldiers, seven wounded soldiers, two pilots and two crew members.
“Our troops entered into an ambush in the general area of Shiroro Local Council of Niger State,” General Edward Buba said.
The ambush led to a firefight, which resulted in the death of three officers and 22 soldiers, while seven were wounded in action.
He said as a result, there was a need for a casualty operation, whereby the Air Force helicopter was dispatched.
“While that process was on and inbound to Kaduna, the helicopter crashed. In the crash were 25 of the previously killed-in-action personnel in that ambush, seven of the previously-wounded in action personnel, two pilots of the helicopter and two crew members,” General Buba noted.
He threatened “injurious consequences” on the bandits for attacking the troops.
“One thing is for sure; no one or group would strike at our troops without injurious consequences,” General Buba said.
A week to August 17, 2023, Buba said the military neutralised 28 terrorists, arrested 92, along with six gun runners, three kidnappers, six collaborators and seven oil thieves.
According to General Buba, troops also rescued 82 hostages.
“Overall, troops recovered 108 weapons and 564 ammunition,”
General Edward Buba stated.
Similarly, the Nigerian
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has assured its military personnel that it will not hesitate to fly wounded personnel abroad for treatment, if the need arises.
According to General Musa,, welfare of the wounded troops is of utmost importance as the officers discharge their professional assignments effectively.
General Christopher Musa while on a visit to the wounded soldiers at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, said the purpose of the routine visit, to military hospitals, is to encourage the personnel, appreciate their sacrifices to Nigeria and see how they are recuperating.
He expressed confidence that such a visit would aid their recuperation process and give them a true feeling that they were not alone.
According to him without the troops, nothing could be done in the fight against insecurity and criminality, as the Defence Headquarters prayed for their quick recovery.
