In a devastating development, seven officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been declared missing following a deadly ambush by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Kaduna State.
The attack occurred on Monday, November 18, in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area as the NSCDC convoy was returning from a surveillance mission to a power installation site in Niger State.
The NSCDC national spokesperson, DCC Afolabi Babawale, revealed in a statement that the team, composed of nine officers and 71 other ranks, had been dispatched to investigate and secure critical power infrastructure following recent attacks on power lines that caused blackouts in northern Nigeria.
“While patrolling vulnerable areas, the team encountered stranded expatriates near Dagwachi Village and allowed them to join the convoy for safety,” Afolabi explained. “Unbeknownst to the team, over 200 armed Boko Haram militants had laid a deadly ambush from a hilltop, ready to unleash a torrent of gunfire on the unsuspecting convoy.”
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the NSCDC operatives fought valiantly, reportedly neutralizing over 50 insurgents during the exchange. However, the intense firefight left seven officers unaccounted for. A search operation is ongoing to locate the missing officers. Injured personnel are currently receiving medical attention.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” against officers dedicated to national security. He commended the courage and resourcefulness of the team, reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
Dr. Audi also assured the public that the search for the missing officers remains a top priority, stating, “Our mission to fortify Nigeria’s power sector and ensure stable electricity supply remains steadfast despite the rising security challenges.”
