Sixteen Nigerian soldiers killed in attack in Delta state

The soldiers were on a mission to stop the conflict between two communities in the Bomadi region.

Sixteen Nigerian soldiers have been killed on a mission to halt clashes between two communities in the southern state of Delta, an army spokesperson said.

The troops from the 181 Amphibious Battalion deployed in the Bomadi region, had responded to the conflict in the Okuoma community when they were killed on Thursday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said in a statement on Saturday.

“The reinforcement team led by the commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers,” he said.

The chief of defence has also directed an immediate investigation and the arrest of those involved, according to Gusau.

“So far, a few arrests have been made while steps [are] in place to unravel the motive behind the attack,” he added.