• Troops neutralise 28 terrorists, arrest 92
• CDS assures wounded soldiers of best treatment

Remains of no fewer than 36 soldiers were discovered after the ambush on troops in Niger State, the military high command has said.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, the Director, Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, said onboard the crashed aircraft were 25 previously killed soldiers, seven wounded soldiers, two pilots and two crew members.

He said: “Our troops entered into an ambush in the general area of Shiroro Local Council of Niger State.

The ambush led to a firefight, which resulted in the death of three officers and 22 soldiers, while seven were wounded in action. As a result, there was a need for us to embark on a casualty operation, whereby the Air Force helicopter was dispatched.

“While that process was on and inbound to Kaduna, the helicopter crashed. In the crash were 25 of the previously killed-in-action personnel in that ambush, seven of the previously-wounded in action personnel, two pilots of the helicopter and two crew members.”

He, however, threatened “injurious consequences” on the bandits for attacking the troops.

“One thing is for sure; no one or group would strike at our troops without injurious consequences,” Buba said.

During the week leading to August 17, 2023, Buba said the military neutralised 28 terrorists, arrested 92, along with six gunrunners, three kidnappers, six collaborators and seven oil thieves.

According to him, troops also rescued 82 hostages.

He added: “Overall, troops recovered 108 weapons and 564 ammunition.”

MEANWHILE, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured military personnel that the armed forces will not hesitate to fly wounded personnel abroad for treatment, if the need arises.
According to him, welfare of the wounded troops is of utmost importance to ensure they discharge their professional assignments effectively.

On a visit to the wounded soldiers at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, the CDS said: “The purpose of the visit, which is routine to military hospitals, is to encourage the personnel, appreciate their sacrifices to the nation and see how they are recuperating.”

Without the troops, he stated, nothing could be done in the fight against insecurity and criminality, adding that they were praying for their quick recovery.

He expressed confidence that such a visit would aid their recuperation process and give them a true feeling that they were not alone.

The CDS also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Chief Medical Director (CMD), doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.

Musa hailed the efforts of the hospital management for taking good care of the wounded soldiers and maintaining a healthy environment.