Three personnel of the Nigerian Army lost their lives on Monday after suspected terrorists launched an early morning assault on a military formation in Kemanji community, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.
Confirming the incident, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the attack occurred around 3 a.m., adding that troops successfully repelled the assailants and prevented further casualties.
“At about 3 a.m. today, our gallant soldiers courageously beat back a terrorists’ attack on their position in Kemanji, Kaiama. Many of the terrorists were neutralised by the gallant troops,” he said.
“Our brave men not only repelled the terrorists and prevented them from accessing the community, but they also ensured that no one was kidnapped as the terrorists had intended.”
The governor, however, confirmed that three soldiers died during the exchange.
“In the course of repelling the attack, we lost three courageous men. My sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of these great men who have paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland.
“We will never forget them and others like them in various theatres across the country.”
He assured that the state government would continue to support the bereaved families and remain committed to safeguarding lives and property.
The latest attack comes amid a wave of violence targeting military positions.
In recent days, a colonel and six soldiers were killed in an assault on troops in Monguno, Borno State, while earlier in April, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah and three other soldiers were also slain in Benisheikh.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the Benisheikh incident was the result of a “coordinated terrorist attack” carried out in the early hours of the day.
