President labels Shiroro attack a direct assault on Nigeria

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari called the attack in Niger State, in which 30 soldiers, seven police officers and two civilians were killed "a direct assault on Nigeria". The attack happened in Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State on Wednesday. Several people were also kidnapped.

The president said that the attackers would not go unpunished and the government would do everything possible to return those kidnapped.

In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Buhari said: "Attack on Shiroro is an attack on Nigeria herself. It will not go unpunished.

“And to the sadists, I say this: we are coming. No matter what rock you crawl under, what hole you sink into, what lie you hide behind, we are coming and we will find you. Shiroro will see justice. Nigeria will know peace.”

He continued: “Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we shall not relent, nor shall we surrender.

“We say it again that we have reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self. But terrorists are parasites. They thrive when the world is suffering.

“This atrocity only serves to further strengthen us against them. Nigeria is united in obliterating these demons. Each day we grow closer to that goal. When they lash out during times of global suffering it is the act of a cornered animal, an act of desperation."

The president paid tribute to the security forces who died during the attack, saying: “We honour our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting against the evil that is terrorism. They constitute the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each of them."

In a statement on Thursday, an army spokesperson confirmed the attack, saying: “On Wednesday 29 of June 2022, troops of the Nigerian Army deployed in Shiroro general area responded to a distress call about bandits’ attack on people operating in a mining site. Enroute the location, the troops ran into an ambush tagged by the criminal elements. Sadly, a number of personnel paid the supreme price in the fierce firefight that ensued."

Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff promised to bring the terrorists to justice. He said: “We are not deterred by any challenge from all those criminals. As we speak, we are on their trail and we will and I say we will get those criminals in Niger and other areas throughout the country.

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