Headlinenews.news reports that the soldiers deployed by the Nigerian Army to combat terrorists in the Allawa area of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, North-central Nigeria, have withdrawn following the loss of two officers to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) yesterday. According to Garba Mohammed, the Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, who is a retired major-general, the soldiers were newly stationed in response to ongoing attacks by terrorist groups in the region.
Mr. Mohammed stated that, in addition to the two officers killed by the IEDs, nine others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital whose location has not been disclosed. Although the withdrawal of the soldiers was attributed to an “administrative arrangement” for reinforcement against the terrorists, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, declined to comment on the situation, citing the need for discretion regarding ongoing operations.
The recent casualties add to the six Nigerian Army officers who lost their lives to terrorists in the area within one week. As the soldiers prepared to depart from Allawa, local residents and refugees also fled to other locations. The closure of the Allawa-Pandogari road due to an IED detonation by Boko Haram insurgents further heightened tensions in the area. Subsequent attacks by insurgents on Allawa resulted in extensive property damage and looting in surrounding villages.
