‘We lost a number of soldiers’ – Army confirms losing personnel to terrorists attack in Niger

The Nigerian Army has confirmed losing soldiers to terrorists in an ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Terrorists had on Wednesday, attacked a mining site in Shiroro, killing a number of soldiers, policemen and civilians, while abducting Chinese workers.

Subsequent reports indicated that no fewer than 43 people, including 30 soldiers and seven mobile police personnel and civilians were killed when the armed men stormed the Gold mining site.

Confirming the attack, the Nigerian Army, in a statement issued by its Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said some bandits were also gunned down during the attack.

He said, “Sadly, a number of personnel paid the supreme price in the fierce firefight that ensued.

“Subsequently, the location has been reinforced and troops are on the trail of the criminals with some already neutralized.

“The GOC 1 Division has moved to the location to take charge of the follow up operations.”