Nigerian Army confirms killing of two officers and four soldiers by terrorists in Niger state

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the tragic loss of two officers and four soldiers in a terrorist ambush in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, shared this heartbreaking news in a statement on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The soldiers were ambushed during a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro LGA, carried out by troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.

The statement revealed that the troops encountered the ambush on Friday, April 19, 2024, bravely engaging the terrorists and eliminating several while capturing some of their equipment.

"Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed at Allawa and Erena, while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State had an encounter in an ambush staged by terrorists on 19 April 2024," the statement read.

"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."

Major General Landers Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, conveyed sympathies on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff to the families of the fallen personnel. He assured them that the troops would avenge this loss and are actively pursuing surviving terrorists who fled.

The statement also emphasized the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting the people of Niger State and urged the public to provide actionable information to enhance security operations.

The fallen heroes were accorded honorable burials in line with military traditions, with the Chief of Army Staff represented at the ceremony. Additionally, visits were made to wounded soldiers and condolences extended to the bereaved families.

"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."