From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Four of the seven missing Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, have been confirmed dead, two returned unhurt and one is still missing.
The civil defenders were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna state by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation.
This was disclosed by the corps’ National Publicity Relations Officer, Babawale Zaid Afolabi.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Audit Ahmed commiserated with the officers and men of the Special Squad set up to monitor the National Grid Installations located in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State and other parts of the country at large, that came under heavy attack by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Audi paid a visit to the injured at the medical facilities today at around 6pm,where they are currently receiving treatment.
He saluted the gallantry, bravery and courage exhibited by the operatives during the ambush, and pledged that the corps would cater for all their medical expenses and other welfare needs.
“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland, hence, deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” he said.
He condemned the bloody terrorist attack and described it as a brutal and devastating act of violence, resulting in widespread harm, destruction, and loss of life which must not be allowed to fester considering the number of security operatives that had fallen through the barrels of their guns.
He condoled the families of the fallen heroes among them and prayed that the Almighty God will forgive all their earthly sins, comfort their families, and grant them Aljanah Firdaus.
The CG also directed that funds be released to give maximum attention as well as care to the injured in order to enhance their quick recovery and assured that the Group Personal Accident/Group Life Insurance will be facilitated to cushion the effects of the unfortunate incident on them.
“The visit was necessary to know how they are fairing and to encourage those directly affected and all personnel at large that the leadership of the Corps places a very high premium on their welfare and will never abandon them especially in situation like this”, he assured.
The CG also extended his condolences to all officers and men of the corps nationwide in view of the unfortunate attack and the loss of lives.
He charged them not to be discouraged by the incident but to continue to pray for God’s protection. The CG told them to be vigilant and ensure that all safety procedures are observed in their fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
He called on the members of the public to extend their full support to the corps and other security agencies to enhance the security of lives and property of all the good citizens of this country.