DHQ confirms three officers, 22 soldiers killed in Niger State ambush

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Thursday confirmed that 36 officers were killed in the Niger State ambush.

The military high command noted that no fewer than three officers and 22 soldiers lost their lives.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said seven soldiers were wounded during the ambush.

He added that onboard the crashed Air Force aircraft on evacuation mission were 14 previously killed soldiers, seven wounded soldiers, two pilots, and two crew members.

Asked about the cause of the helicopter crash, Buba said an investigation was still underway to determine the cause and urged citizens to be wary of propaganda by terrorists and remain patriotic.

Insurgents had ambushed troops in the Zungeru area of the state and some gallant troops of the Nigerian Army paid the supreme price.

Also, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed on Monday in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.