The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recorded a great loss on Monday, 9 January 2023 when the troops were ambushed by bandits in Birnin Gwari Community in Kaduna State while on routine patrol for protecting a mining site in the area. It was reported that seven personnel of the Corps were killed following the ugly incident. However, the remains of the slain seven personnel have been laid to rest.
The Director of Public Relations of the Corps, DCC Olusola Odumosu confirmed that the corpses of the slain personnel were handed over to families and loved ones at the NSCDC Kaduna Command after a brief interment ceremony.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, was humbly represented by the Commandant, Kaduna Command, Idris Yahaya Adah, bids the officers and men goodbye when he paid his last respect at the lying-in-state ceremony, held on Saturday, 14 January, at the Kaduna State Command of the Corps. While consoling the relatives, friends and loved ones of the departed the CG praised the efforts of the gallant officers who lost their lives in defence of the country and described them as Heroes who will never be forgotten", he also prayed for the repose of their souls.
Dr. Ahmed Audi’s statement read in part;
"They died in active service, they fought a good fight with the last drop of blood in their veins to safeguard the country. Although the loss is painful and the tears are much, but God knows best. We cannot question God; therefore, let us live right, be in peace, love, and harmony with our fellow men because one day, all of us will give account to God."
"They paid the supreme price for the nation, they died for us, they are our Heroes and we shall always remember them. The world is saddened, the President and Commander in Chief is saddened, Officers and men of the Corps are also saddened. What has happened has happened, we however, look unto God, and pray for forgiveness of their sins and for acceptance on the last day," Audi added.
The Commandant General of the Corps also assures families and next of kin of the slain personnel of timely payment of all benefits accruable to them. Audi acknowledged the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for remembering the Corps during this difficult time.
"Mr. President's Condolence Message motivated us greatly, it renewed our strength and rekindled our hope that we are not alone. This means a lot to us as a service and we are grateful for the support we are getting from the presidency and we feel proud to serve the nation.
The CG assured President Muhammadu Buhari that, the Corps will not relent in securing the nations due to this ugly incident, rather, the incident will spur the organisation into more aggressive action against the people's common enemy.