The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed a terrorist attack on its soldiers stationed in Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State. Mr. Suberu Siyaka-Aniviye, the state Commandant, briefed journalists in Minna on Wednesday, assuring them that no lives had been lost.
Siyaka-Aniviye added that the attackers, who arrived in significant numbers just after midnight, were unable to operate freely due to the alertness and promptness of the NSCDC officers on duty.
“The attackers attempted to engage our men, but the situation was challenging due to their numerical strength and the darkness in the area,” he said. He added that the terrorists used torchlights to identify approaching persons before opening fire, forcing the personnel to tactically manoeuvre and take cover.
“Our men took cover and manoeuvred strategically, but the attackers fired sporadically because they had multiple weapons,” Siyaka-Aniviye said. He disclosed that the personnel abandoned their operational vehicle while moving to safety, prompting the attackers to shoot repeatedly at it. The vehicle sustained multiple bullet impacts, its windscreen was damaged, and all four tyres were punctured.
The commandant stated that the tyres were later replaced, and the vehicle was driven back to the NSCDC headquarters in Minna. He also revealed that the attackers stole personal belongings such as clothes, mobile phones, and other gadgets, as well as one rifle, while the owner was seeking shelter.
Siyaka-Aniviye emphasized that no staff were killed or gravely hurt, many had minor bruises while maneuvering to safety. He further stated that the NSCDC Commandant-General, Mr. Ahmed Audi, had promptly dispatched a tactical team to Niger State to search the area and boost security.
The commandant stated that the team is still on the ground investigating the environment, and preliminary findings indicate that the terrorists were likely traveling from one hiding to another. He verified that all staff involved in the attack have been accounted for and are safe.
“I invited all the personnel after the incident; all of them turned up and they are safe. They are here with us,” Siyaka-Aniviye concluded.
