The Nigerian Armed Forces has called on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future, as the fate of the terrorists that perpetrated the Gwoza incident will be short, noting that troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield
A statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said the he coordinated attacks comprised of multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings, explaining that a third explosion targeted at the troops enforcing the curfew was unfortunately detonated from behind by a lady strapped with IED vest.
According to the statement, the third explosion killed a soldier and two members of Hybrid Forces.
However, a fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty.
On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degree of injuries and receiving treatment, the DHQ said..
The statement added that the Armed Forces views every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. “The sad loss of lives are a tragedy.”
The Nigerian Military furthermore expressed condolences even as it mourns with all who have lost loved ones, while commiserating with all victims needing healing and recovery.
The Defence Spokesperson highlighted in the statement that Nigeria is in a state of war, and it must be recognized that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations which has decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence. It noted that clearly, the terrorists embarked on the attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline.
Major General Edward Buba urged citizen to see through the smoke screen of the terrorists and realize that their aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
According to him, 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.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
