The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially announced the loss of 36 military officers in Niger State.
The announcement came during a recent briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.
This unfortunate incident was a result of an ambush that targeted troops in the Zungeru area of the state, where brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Adding to the sorrow, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter, engaged in a crucial casualty evacuation mission, crashed in the Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
The DHQ provided details of these heart-wrenching incidents during their biweekly briefing, shedding light on the grim toll of August 14, 2023.
Major General Edward Buba acknowledged that an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the helicopter crash.
He cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against potential propaganda spread by terrorists and to uphold their patriotic spirit.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by military personnel in the fight against insurgency and the challenges they endure while striving to maintain peace and security.