Pix: Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
The Nigerian Army says troops of 1 Division deployed at Allawa and Erena have eliminated an undisclosed number of terrorists and captured some of their equipment at Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, April 21.
He said that six Army personnel, comprising two officers and four soldiers, paid the supreme price.
The Army spokesman disclosed that the troops were on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village when they had an encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on Friday, April 19.
He said the 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 Army said.
The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja sympathised with the families of the deceased personnel and promised them that the unfortunate setback would be avenged by the troops.
He said the troops were currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter.
Saraso urged the good people of the state to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure their protection at all times.
The Army spokesman, “In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army authority has contacted the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes, while burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.
“The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.
“The Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC and other senior officers also visited the 2 wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the Military Hospital and subsequently paid condolence visit to the families of the deceased.
“We urge the general public, particularly the good people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops,” the Army spokesman added.