Soldiers who were killed in the attack last Friday have been found dead in Niger State, with their bodies being severely damaged.
The soldiers were killed during a fight with bandits in the Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities, Bassa Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area of the State.
A source with knowledge of the situation, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The PUNCH that the soldiers, including an Army Major, a Captain, and four enlisted personnel, were killed by suspected Boko Haram members, contrary to initial reports that they were killed by bandits.
The source explained that the soldiers had lost their way while trying to confront the bandits in the forest. They were ambushed, leading to a shootout and casualties on both sides.
The soldiers’ bodies were discovered in the bush on Saturday without their uniforms, showing bullet wounds on their heads and other parts of their bodies.
A source reported, “The military joint task force of Alawa and Erena, along with some local security members, engaged the criminals in a gunfight at Lolo in Alawa, leading to casualties on both sides.”
Niger State Commissioner of Homeland Security, a retired Brigadier General, Garba Mohammed, confirmed the incident but did not disclose the number of casualties.
He mentioned ongoing efforts to combat the Boko Haram insurgents and other security threats in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Bago condemned the killing as “atrocious, provocative, and unacceptable.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the governor assured that he would provide the necessary support to halt the criminal activities of bandits.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that two officers and four soldiers were killed in an ambush by terrorists in Niger.
Army personnel from 1 Division of the Nigerian Army who were patrolling Allewa and Erena were killed on April 19, during a fighting mission to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this on Sunday.
Nwachukwu stated, “Troops bravely fought through the ambush, eliminating several terrorists and capturing some of their equipment.
Unfortunately, 6 personnel, including 2 officers and 4 soldiers, lost their lives.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen Landers Saraso, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, promising that the troops will avenge the setback.
The troops are currently pursuing the terrorists who escaped and have urged the people of the State to carry on with their lawful activities, assuring them of protection by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He added that the army had followed its customs and traditions by contacting the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes. The deceased Muslim personnel were buried with the approval of their family members.
The Chief of Army Staff was not able to attend the burial, so the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe, represented him at the burial in Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery.
Nwachukwu also mentioned that the Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC, and other senior officers visited the two wounded soldiers at the Military Hospital and then visited the families of the deceased to offer condolences.
