At least 16 soldiers of the Nigerian Army, including a commanding officer, met their demise during a peacekeeping mission in the Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.
According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, the troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion were dispatched to restore peace in the Okuoma community but were met with violence on Thursday.
The Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Tukur Gusau, disclosed that the soldiers responded to a distress call stemming from a communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities. Tragically, the reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also ambushed, resulting in the loss of the officer, two majors, one captain, and twelve soldiers.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has promptly ordered an investigation into the incident and instructed the immediate apprehension of those responsible for the attack. While some arrests have been made and the Delta State Government has been notified, the motive behind the assault remains under investigation.
Despite this grievous setback, the military reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding peace and security across the nation.
