The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed to crush the terrorists responsible for the deadly suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State, which left 20 people dead and 52 injured on Saturday.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement early Tuesday morning described the attacks as “cowardly” and “despicable” and said the military views every life lost as a result of the ongoing war as an “immense tragedy”.
“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”, Buba vowed.
“The attacks are a futile attempt by the terrorists to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline.
“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.”
The DHQ also revealed that the attacks were carried out by female suicide bombers, who detonated their explosives at a wedding reception, a nearby street, and a checkpoint.
The military has imposed a curfew in the area to prevent further casualties and is working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks.
The DHQ’s vow to crush the terrorists comes as a reassurance to the citizens of Nigeria that the military is committed to ending the insurgency in the Northeast.
“We will not rest until the terrorists are defeated and peace is restored to the region”, said Major General Buba.
The DHQ, therefore, called on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful future.
