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Authorities have recovered the bodies of four NSCDC personnel who were
ambushed by armed assailants in Kaduna State on November 18.
The deceased were among seven individuals initially reported missing
after the attack.
The victims, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC), were on an official assignment when they were ambushed near
the Farin-Kasa area in Chikun Local Government Area.
The operatives had been conducting surveillance and monitoring of
national grid installations in the Shiroro Local Government Area of
Niger State when the attack occurred.
NSCDC spokesperson Babatunde Afolabi, on Friday, November 29,
confirmed the recovery of the four bodies, noting that efforts to
account for the remaining officers are ongoing.
“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 said.
Kaduna and Niger States remain among the regions most impacted by
terrorism in Northern Nigeria, with multiple armed groups operating
across the area.
These groups frequently target communities, security personnel,
travelers, and public infrastructure, contributing to widespread
instability.
Recently, some of these groups were responsible for sabotaging
electricity cables, resulting in power outages that lasted over a week
in several northern states.
On Friday, November 29, NSCDC spokesperson Babatunde Afolabi noted
that the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, extended his
condolences to all NSCDC personnel over the tragic incident and the
loss of their colleagues.
“Audi assured that the Group Personal Accident/Group Life Insurance
will be facilitated to cushion the effects of the unfortunate incident
on the affected personnel,” he said.
Afolabi stated that during a visit to injured officers receiving
treatment at the Corps’ medical facilities on Thursday, November 28,
the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, commended the bravery and
dedication of the affected personnel.
“He saluted the gallantry, bravery and courage exhibited by the
operatives during the ambush, and pledged that the corps would cater
for all their medical expenses and other welfare needs.
“He also condemned the bloody terrorist attack and described it as a
brutal and devastating act of violence which must not be allowed to
fester considering the number of security operatives that have
fallen,” he said.
The spokesperson stated that Audi encouraged NSCDC personnel across
the country to remain steadfast and undeterred by the incident.
He emphasized the importance of vigilance, adherence to safety
protocols, and prayers for divine protection in their ongoing efforts
to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate fully with the Corps and
other security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at safeguarding
lives and property for the benefit of the nation.