Three soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been killed following a gun battle with suspected terrorists who stormed a military base in the Kemanji community of Kaiama LGA in Kwara state on Monday morning.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, governor of Kwara state, confirmed the incident on Monday evening, expressing condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“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.
“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.”
The governor added that the state government would continue to support the families of the deceased and strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.
The attack comes just days after a colonel and six soldiers were killed by terrorists in Borno state during a raid on a military formation in Monguno.
Earlier incidents have also seen other soldiers killed in similar attacks in the north-east region, underscoring ongoing security challenges faced by military formations.