Suspected terrorists have attacked the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State, killing two officers and kidnapping one in the most brazen attacks on the country’s defence arm since the beginning of the year.

The high-security base located just outside the state capital Kaduna trains Nigerian officers and also cadets from other African militaries.

According to an eyewitness report, the gunmen casually drove into the military facility disguised in army fatigues in the early hours of Tuesday, August 24, 2021, then proceeded to the officer’s quarters where they began shooting sporadically.
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Two officers (a Major and a Squadron Leader) were killed, and another officer ( a major) was taken away through a nearby bush.

Troops of the NDA Quick Response Team stormed the scene but were unable to rescue to abducted major.

This raid on the country’s main officer training school, is a major blow for the Nigerian military already struggling with an armed uprising.

Attacks and kidnappings have surged in recent months, especially in north-central and northwest Nigeria, partly driven by economic hardship linked to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and by the impunity enjoyed by most perpetrators.

Kaduna state has been the major scene of mass abductions at schools and other acts of violence against communities. Other states such as Niger, Zamfara and Katsina have also experienced violent attacks from bandits.

The Nigerian Defence Academy sits just metres away from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka, in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State, where 39 students were abducted by bandits in March.⁣