A monitoring team from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents during a patrol of the National Grid installations in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.
The attack occurred on Monday at approximately 3:40 PM near Farin-Kasa in Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The NSCDC’s spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, stated that the team, consisting of 80 operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, FCT Command, and Kaduna State Command, was concluding its surveillance when it encountered over 200 armed insurgents. Positioned on a hilltop, the attackers unleashed heavy fire on the convoy.
The NSCDC team engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle, reportedly neutralizing over 50 attackers. However, seven operatives remain unaccounted for, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical care. Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing officers.
The monitoring squad was established following a recent national blackout attributed to attacks and vandalism targeting critical power infrastructure. During their patrol, the team encountered expatriates stranded in the bush near Dagwachi Village, who joined the convoy for protection.
Dr. Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, condemned the attack as “callous and unfortunate,” reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding national assets. He commended the courage of the operatives and vowed continued action against threats to Nigeria’s infrastructure.
