20 soldiers killed in Niger State laid to rest in Abuja

The Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday, August 25, 2023, laid to rest the remains of military personnel killed in action and in the recent crash of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) MI-171E Helicopter in Niger State.

The burial ceremony was conducted for 20 of the deceased personnel at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja in line with military tradition.

It also signifies a mark of honour for their gallantry and sacrifice in defence of the nation.

The bodies of the 20 deceased personnel arrived at the cemetery from Kaduna at noon for the funeral as some of the fallen heroes had since been buried in other locations.

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It would be recalled that three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in the Zungeru area of Niger State while seven were wounded in action.

The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed at Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on August 13.

The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, two pilots, and two crew members.

The event was attended by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; service chiefs, and families of the fallen heroes.

The governors of Kaduna and Niger states were represented at the funeral.

The event involved the laying of wreath by the two ministers, and presentation of National Flag to next-of-kin of the deceased personnel by the CDS and service chiefs.

The Star