By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Six personnel of the Nigerian Army have paid the supreme price following an ambush encounter with terrorists in Karaga village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Army Public Relations Director, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement in Sunday.
He said Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed at Allawa and Erena were on a fighting patrol in the village on 19th April when they encountered an ambush staged by the terrorists.
Although the troops fought gallantly through the ambush, eliminating several of the terrorists and capturing some of their equipment in the process, 6 personnel – 2 officers and 4 soldiers were killed in the encounter.
The General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen Landers Saraso, while he has sympathized with the families of the deceased personnel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, has promised them that the unfortunate setback will be avenged by the troops.
He said the troops are currently trailing some of the terrorists who survived and fled after the encounter. He urged the good people of the State to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured them that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies will ensure their protection at all times.
Nwachukwu stated that the authorities of the Nigerian Army have contacted the Next of Kins of the fallen heroes, while burial has been conducted for the deceased muslim personnel with the consent and approval of their family members.
The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe.
The Deputy Governor, representative of the COAS, GOC and other senior officers also visited the 2 wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the Military Hospital and subsequently paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased.
