The Nigerian Army has officially acknowledged the loss of six personnel from the 1 Division Nigerian Army stationed in Allawa and Erena. They were engaged in a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State when they fell into an ambush,leadership reports.
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the casualties included two officers and four soldiers, who were fatally ambushed by terrorists on April 19, 2024. Despite facing the ambush, the troops valiantly fought back, neutralizing several terrorists and seizing some of their equipment.
Expressing sorrow over the loss, Nwachukwu stated, “Sadly, the troops suffered a temporary setback as 6 personnel comprising 2 officers and 4 soldiers paid the supreme price.” The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander of Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, conveyed condolences on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff to the families of the fallen soldiers, assuring that the setback would be avenged.
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Furthermore, the Army is actively pursuing the surviving terrorists who fled the scene. The GOC urged the people of Niger State to carry on with their lawful activities, emphasizing the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensure their safety.
Following military customs, the Next of Kin of the deceased soldiers have been contacted, and burial rites for the Muslim personnel were conducted with the consent of their families. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was represented at the burial by Maj.Gen. Kelvin Aligbe at the Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery.
Additionally, the state’s Deputy Governor, along with representatives of the COAS, GOC, and other senior officers, visited the two wounded soldiers receiving medical treatment at the military hospital and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Army appeals to the public, especially those in Niger and neighboring states, to provide actionable and timely information to enhance military operations.
