The Nigerian Army has lost no fewer than seven soldiers in two ambushes and killed 31 terrorists in the North West just as they had recovered weapons.
Terrorists had on 19 April 2024, ambushed and killed six soldiers in Niger State.
On March 14, 2024, 17 soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army were massacred in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State
But in the latest attack, bandits in Katsina reportedly killed an officer of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major A.G Mohammed, during an ambush.
The late Major Mohammed was a member of Operation Hadarin Daji and the Commander overseeing military operations in the Vantumaki, Dan Ali and Kankara axis of the State.
Despite the setback, the Nigerian Army successfully cleared bandits camps and recovered weapons as part of ongoing counter insurgency efforts in the North West region.
The troops killed at least 31 bandits kingpins and recovered cache of arms and ammunition.
Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in confirming the death of the six personnel, said they comprise of two officers and four soldiers. But he vowed that the Army will avenge their deaths.
The soldiers were ambushed while on a fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Senator Shehu Sani, reacting to the deaths, said it was the life of a loved one who is is being awaited at home by his family.
Calling on Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of service men and women and to support their families, Senator Sani said in a tweet on his X handle, formerly Twitter: “Each time a Soldier is killed by terrorists or Bandits,it’s about one man sacrificing his life for millions of others to live;that man is a husband and a father to some little Children awaiting his return home.
“Let’s appreciate the courage and sacrifice of our troops,and always feel and share the pains experienced by their families.They died for us to live.We appreciate.”
Originally published in Leadership