The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has confirmed a terrorist attack on its outpost at Wawa in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The state Commandant, Mr Suberu Siyaka-Aniviye, confirmed the incident while briefing journalists in Minna on Wednesday, saying the attackers struck shortly after midnight but were unable to operate freely due to the alertness and swift response of personnel on duty.
He said operatives initially tried to repel the attackers, but the situation became challenging because of the terrorists’ numerical strength and the darkness in the area.
According to him, the attackers used torchlights to identify targets before opening fire, forcing the personnel to tactically manoeuvre and take cover.
“Our men manoeuvred and took cover, but the attackers fired sporadically because they had several weapons,” he said.
Siyaka-Aniviye explained that the personnel abandoned their operational vehicle while moving to safety, but the attackers assumed they were still inside and fired repeatedly at it.
He said the vehicle was riddled with bullets, with its windscreen damaged and all four tyres punctured.
The commandant added that the tyres were later replaced and the vehicle was driven back to the NSCDC headquarters in Minna.
He further disclosed that the attackers looted some personal belongings during the raid.
“They went into huts and carted away luggages containing clothes, mobile phones and other gadgets,” he said.