Three soldiers of the Nigerian Army lost their lives on Monday morning after suspected terrorists launched an attack on a military base in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident was confirmed on Monday evening by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in a statement posted on his official page, where he expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased.
According to the governor, troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle around 3 a.m., successfully repelling the assault and preventing the terrorists from entering the community.
“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 wrote.
He added that the troops also stopped what he described as an attempted abduction of residents.
“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.
“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.”
Governor AbdulRazaq also assured that the state government would continue to support the families of the fallen soldiers and strengthen efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
The latest attack in Kwara comes amid a series of deadly incidents targeting military formations in the country’s north. Only days earlier, a colonel and six soldiers were killed in Borno State during a response to a terrorist raid on a military base in Monguno.
Military authorities said insurgents struck a formation known as Charlie 13, prompting a response that led to casualties on both sides.
In another incident on April 8, a brigadier-general and three soldiers were also killed during a coordinated attack in Benisheikh, Borno State, highlighting continued security challenges faced by troops in the region.
