The Military High Command, on Thursday, disclosed that no fewer than 3 officers, 22 soldiers were killed in Niger State while 7 were wounded by terrorists.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, revealed this at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Buba told journalists that the Air Force jet that crashed in Shiroro area of Niger State went to the scene to evacuate the victims.
He, however, vowed that no group could attack its troops and go scot-free, adding that 14 previously killed were in the jet during the crash.
“Our troops entered into an ambush in the general of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state. The ambush led to a firefight which resulted in the death of three officers, and 22 soldiers while seven were wounded in action.
“As a result of this, there was a need for us to embark on a casualty operation whereby the Air Force helicopter was dispatched.
“While that process was on and inbound to Kaduna, the helicopter crashed. In the crash were 14 of the previously killed in action personnel in that ambush, seven of the previously wounded-in-action personnel, two pilots of the helicopter and two crew members.
He, however, vowed that no group could attack its troops and go scot-free, adding that 14 previously killed were in the jet during the crash.
“One thing is for sure. No one or group would strike at own troops without injurious consequences,” Buba said.
Earlier, the senior military officer told newsmen that troops will continue to respond with overwhelming military force against any group that threatens the safety of citizens and own forces.
He said the men and women of the armed forces will continued to put themselves in “harms ways, time and time again, to protect our great nation”.
Buba also disclosed that on August 7 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Kukatara, Danfarauta and Sabon Garin Kukatara in Isa LGA of Sokoto State, adding that the terrorist fled on sighting troops in the area.
He said, “Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 magazine, 6 motorcycles, 3 motorolla radio, one woodland camouflage uniform and radio chargers.
“On 7 August 2023, troops acted on information that terrorists were moving from Sokoto with some abductees. Troops responded and ambushed the terrorists at the outskirt of Gadar Zaima Village in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 6 AK 47 rifles, one PKT gun, 5 AK 47 magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Others are: 3 mobile phones, 2 solar panels, one old sewing machines and the sum of Two Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦2,410,000.00) only.
“Troops also rescued 9 kidnapped hostages and recovered the body of one the deceased hostage, killed by the terrorist,” he said.
(Daily Trust)
