36 Nigerian military personnel killed in Niger

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the heartbreaking loss of 36 officers in Niger State. This distressing disclosure was made while providing a comprehensive account of the casualties resulting from a recent ambush of troops in Niger State, coupled with the unfortunate crash of an evacuation helicopter on August 14, 2023.

During the biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these grim statistics on Thursday. Responding to inquiries regarding the helicopter crash’s cause, Buba confirmed that an ongoing investigation is diligently being carried out to ascertain the underlying factors. He fervently appealed to the public to remain vigilant against any misinformation propagated by terrorists, urging citizens to uphold their unwavering patriotism.

The series of unfortunate events unfolded as insurgents launched a sudden attack on troops within the Zungeru area of the state. Amidst the chaos, brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army exhibited unparalleled courage but paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Adding to the sorrow, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter, en route for a critical casualty evacuation mission, tragically crashed in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Monday. As investigations continue into this heart-wrenching incident, the nation mourns the loss of these valiant officers and eagerly awaits answers surrounding the circumstances leading to this devastating helicopter crash.