Following the ambush and killing of troops in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has set out to visit the scene.
NIGERIACRIME reported on Monday that 13 soldiers were ambushed and killed during the attack.
It was also reported that the bandits shot down the Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed there were casualties on the troops’ side but refused to give details.
He stated that attention should be on the families of the troops left behind and not the number of troops killed, while he also disclosed that the Army Chief was on his way to the scene to motivate the troops.
He said, “I can confirm that there was an incident in Wushishi LG of Niger State. Our gallant patriots paid the supreme price when they ran into an ambush staged by insurgents. They were courageous till the end. They stood their ground and defended our great country with their lives.
“The focus now is how to console and bring respite to those they left behind. Sadly, the incident occured while the Chief of Army Staff is on an operational tour of the North-West Operations theatre for an on-the-spot assessment and reinvigoration of ongoing operations. He is currently headed to the affected formation to encourage the troops.”
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In a different news, an Upper Area Court sitting in Kubwa, Abuja, has ordered that a 22-year-old scavenger, Dauda Alhassan, be remanded in the correction centre for alleged criminal trespass and theft.
Judge Yahaya Sheshi adjourned the matter until Aug. 21 for hearing.
The police charged the defendant, who resides in Tipper Garage, Kubwa, Abuja, with criminal conspiracy, trespass, theft and causing hurt which he pleaded not guilty.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr John Okpa, told the court that the complainant, Mr Samuel Udama, had reported the matter at Kubwa Police Station on Aug. 4.
Okpa alleged that the defendant trespassed into the complainant’s residence and stole two shoes valued at N17,500, one iron drum cover valued at N5,000 and a cooking stove valued at N6,000.
Other items are one tray pan of N3,500 and a head pan valued at N3,000.
He added that the defendant was chased while he attempted to escape and in the process, he tore the complainant’s jeans trouser and inflicted an injury on him.
The offence contravened the provisions of section 288 of the Penal Code.
Quoting section 288, Okpa said, “Anyone who commits theft in or from a building used as a human dwelling or custody of property, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both.
The prosecution counsel also drew the attention of the court to the fact that the defendant was of no fixed address and could jump bail if granted.