The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed its monitoring team in the Farin-Kasa area of Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna, leaving seven officers missing.
The attack occurred on Monday, November 18, while the team was inspecting the national grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.
According to NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, the team, which consisted of nine officers and 71 other ranks, was mobilized in response to recent attacks on power lines that caused widespread blackouts across northern Nigeria.
“As they patrolled vulnerable areas, they encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety,” Babawale explained in a statement. “Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 armed Boko Haram militants had laid a deadly ambush from a hilltop, ready to unleash a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy.”
Despite the surprise attack, the NSCDC operatives fought back fiercely, managing to neutralize over 50 insurgents during the exchange of fire. However, the chaos led to the disappearance of seven officers, sparking an urgent search operation in the surrounding bush.
Those who sustained injuries during the confrontation are receiving medical treatment. The NSCDC commandant-general, Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” against personnel committed to defending the nation.
He commended the bravery of the operatives and reiterated the corps’ determination to safeguard Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure, despite the increasing security challenges in the region.