Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said investigation has begun into the killing of 3 officers and 22 soldiers and the Nigerian Airforce MI-171 Helicopter crash of 14th August 2023.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba stated this during the biweekly media press briefing on troops operational activities in 6 Geo Political zones in the Country.
According to Major General Buba, “Sadly, it is no more news that we sustained casualties on 14 Aug 23 in two separate but related occurrences.
“It is on this note that on behalf of the CDS, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all those killed in action as a result of the occurrences.
“Troops while conducting offensive operations around Kundu general area in Shiroro LGA of Niger State got into an ambush.
“Following a fire fight, 3 officers and 22 soldiers were killed in action, 7 soldiers wounded in action.
“Subsequently, the NAF MI-171 Hel was despatched to evacuated the casualties. While out bound to Kaduna, the helicopter crashed with 14 of the earlier killed in action personnel, 7 of the earlier wounded in action personnel, 2 pilots and 2 crew members of the helicopter.
“Operations are ongoing to recover the bodies and investigate the cause of the air crash which will be communicated. Surely, no group will strike own troops with impunity.
The Director Defence Media Operations noted that the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH acquired target on terrorist enclave at Kuriga and Birni Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Subsequently, precision air strikes were conducted to eliminate the terrorist hibernating in the location.
Major General Edward Buba reaffirmed that “No doubt, the armed forces possess the power and the will to hunt down those that wish to bring harm upon our citizens. The ongoing operations is a message to those that question the resolve of the military. It is also a message to members of these violent extremist groups that think they can hide. They can be rest assured that others shall raise their sons and daughters, as no one will strike at the military without injurious consequences”
