On a cold November morning, four brave officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were ambushed by terrorists in the remote Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area in Kaduna State. The ambush, which took place while they were on a critical mission to monitor the national grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State, would forever alter the lives of their families, colleagues, and the wider security community.
On November 18, as the officers were performing their duties, they were attacked by suspected Boko Haram militants. In the chaotic violence, seven NSCDC officers were initially declared missing. For days, their colleagues and loved ones held their breath, hoping against hope for a miracle.
But the news was devastating. In a statement released by the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, the agency’s spokesperson, confirmed that four of the missing officers had been found dead. Two officers had returned to base injured, but one remained unaccounted for. The tragedy underscored the unrelenting danger that security personnel face in the line of duty, particularly in regions plagued by insurgency and violence.
The NSCDC’s Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss and lauded the courage and heroism of the officers who, even in the face of deadly force, stood firm in their mission. “The bravery and courage exhibited by our officers during the ambush is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation,” Audi remarked. His words were not just those of a leader but of a man who understood the human cost of security work in Nigeria’s volatile landscape.
Despite the heartbreak, there is a sense of pride that these officers gave their lives in service to the nation. They were fathers, sons, brothers—ordinary people who became extraordinary through their sacrifice. For the families of the fallen officers, the loss is unbearable. But even as they mourn, there is also the recognition that their loved ones died in a fight for a better, safer Nigeria.
Ahmed Audi pledged that the Corps would cover all medical expenses for the injured officers and ensure that their welfare needs were met. He also called on Nigerians to support the Corps and other security agencies in the collective effort to safeguard the nation’s future. “This is not just a loss for the NSCDC, but for all of us. We must stand united in the fight against terror,” Audi said.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by security forces across the country. It calls attention to the human side of the security battle—where each statistic is a person with loved ones, and each loss is a blow to a community. While the fight against terrorism continues to claim lives, it also fosters a shared resolve that the country’s security forces will remain vigilant, undeterred, and united in their mission.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, the bravery of the NSCDC officers stands as a testament to the sacrifices made daily by those who serve. For the families of the fallen, their lives and sacrifices will never be forgotten. The nation grieves with them.
