The Defence Headquarters says no fewer than three officers and 22 soldiers were killed during the ambush on troops in Niger state.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba added that seven soldiers were wounded during the ambush.
He said the incident necessitated the deployment of the crashed Air Force evacuation aircraft.
Buba noted that onboard the crashed aircraft were 14 previously killed soldiers, seven wounded soldiers, two pilots, and two crew members.
He said, “Our troops entered into an ambush in the general of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state. The ambush led to a firefight which resulted in the death of three officers, and 22 soldiers while seven were wounded in action. As a result of this, there was a need for us to embark on a casualty operation whereby the Air Force helicopter was dispatched.
” While that process was on and inbound to Kaduna the helicopter crashed. In the crash were 14 of the previously killed in action personnel in that ambush, seven of the previously wounded in action personnel, two pilots of the helicopter and two crew members. ”
He, however, vowed “injurious consequences ” on the bandits for attacking the troops.
“One thing is for sure. No one or group would strike at own troops without injurious consequences, ” Buba said.
