Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has given its words to Nigerians that troops of the Nigerian Army will do all in its powers to smoke out the terrorists behind the bombing in Gwoza community in Borno State, just as it called on Nigerians to remain united to defeat the act of terrorism.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the declaration in a statement in Abuja, said the recent operations had decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.
He said the terrorists embarked on cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline.
“Citizen must see through the smoke screen of the terrorists. We must realise that the terrorists aim to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
“The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise new recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government.
“Accordingly, we call on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future. The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated these insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” he said.
Buba recalled that the troops of Joint Task Force Operations Hadin Kai in the North East theatre recorded a series of reprehensible terror attacks in Gworza Local Government Area of Borno. He said the coordinated attacks comprised of multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings. He said all the attacks took place on June 29 targeting communities and troops who were enforcing curfew.
“On the whole, 20 people were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and received treatment. The armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost their loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery,” Buba said.