11 SOLDIERS killed on duty by Gunmens(photos)

Soldiers on a search mission were
attacked by bandits in Niger state

11 soldiers were conformed dead while
one is still missing

8 bandits were killed while 57 suspects
were arrested

11 Nigerian soldiers have died and one
has been confirmed missing following an
attack on them by gun runners and
armed bandits in Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw
villages of Bosso local government area in
Niger.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson
of the army, Colonel Sani Kukasheka
Usman, he explained that the troops were
on an assignment to safeguard the area
when they came under heavy attack.
He said eight bandits were killed while 57
suspects were apprehended.

Following covert surveillance and
intelligence reports on the activities of
some gun runners and armed bandits in
Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages of Bosso
Local Government Area, Niger State,
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.

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.

See photos below