The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that it will kill the terrorists responsible for recent attacks in Gwoza LGA, Borno.
According to a statement made on Tuesday in Abuja by Edward Buba, director of defence media operations.
On Saturday, suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across Borno. The explosions were confirmed to have killed 32 individuals.
Gwoza has since been placed under curfew due to suspicions of another attack.
Buba said:
“The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.”
He also stated that recent operations have seriously crippled terrorist groups’ leadership, resources, and support base.
He claimed that terrorists targeted innocent bystanders in a desperate attempt to hide their frailty and present a false sense of power.
He said:
“Citizens must see through the smokescreen 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 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 director described the bombings as a “national tragedy”.
Buba added:
“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 armed forces members, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones.
“We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.”