The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed that seven of its operatives and five others were ambushed and killed at the Kuriga mining site, Birnin Gwari council area of Kaduna.
The NSCDC spokesman, Olusola Odumosu, disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja that the five others were from a sister security agency and local vigilance group.
He said one NSCDC operative escaped the attack with injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
Odumosu also mentioned that the attack, which occurred on Monday at about 10:00 a.m., was unfortunate and a big loss to the corps and the families of the deceased.
He further revealed the bandits carted away the rifles of the slain operatives, adding that their remains were deposited at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC lost three other operatives from the national headquarters in a car crash on Monday evening.
The victims included one female and two male operatives.
(NAN)