8 soldiers, one officer and 2 Airmen of the Nigerian Air force were killed in an attack by gunrunners and bandits in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. The troops also killed 8 of the armed bandits and arrested 57 others. They also recovered large quantity of arms and ammunition.
Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the attack said that following covert surveillance and intelligence reports on the activities of some gun runners and armed bandits in Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages in Boss LGA, troops of 31 Artillery Brigade, 1 Division Nigerian Army in conjunction with Nigeria Air Force detachment on Internal Security Operation MESA went on quick cordon and search in the affected areas to recover suspected weapon cache and arrest the suspected persons and the armed bandits.
The statement reads:
“Contrary to statements attributed to some questionable vested interests, the troops were on legitimate official duty aimed at safeguarding lives and property of citizen in the area. While approaching and deploying to carry out their lawful duty, the troops came under simultaneous and sporadic shootings in all the three locations. They however responded as necessary in line with the rules of engagement. Sadly, an officer and 8 soldiers of the Nigerian Army and 2 Airmen of the Nigeria Air Force lost their lives in the line of national duty. Additionally, one soldier is still missing while 2 of their colleagues were seriously wounded.
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