At least six Nigerian military personnel have been killed in a clash with suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the Alawa area of Niger State’s Shiroro local government.

The incident occurred on Friday during a gun battle between the soldiers, vigilantes, and armed men. Sources claim that hundreds of gunmen had invaded and surrounded the Bassa community for three days, setting fire to two houses in the Masigo community.

Upon receiving a distress call, the Military Joint Task Force of Alawa, Erena, and Pandogari, along with vigilante groups, engaged the bandits in a fierce battle at Lolo in Alawa. The fight reportedly resulted in casualties on both sides.

Sources, speaking anonymously, identified the deceased as a captain, a major, and four others. They also stated that the security officers lost their way while pursuing the insurgents in the forest on Friday night.

The area has been cordoned off by the military, and the bodies of the deceased have been recovered from the bush with bullet wounds to their heads.

The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, General Garba Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed the incident but declined to provide the number of casualties. Military authorities have yet to confirm the reported Killings. CONTINUE READING