Notwithstanding the increasing specter of demoralizing unprovoked civilian attacks sometimes-resulting in deaths-of its gallant personnel, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has increased its war of attrition against sworn enemies of the Nigerian State wherever they are.
The military restated yesterday and Friday citing recent sad reminders such as Okuama, Banex and the latest by suspected IPOB/ESN against troops of OP UDO KA at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa LGA in Abia State which sadly claimed five soldiers’ lives and six civilians.
It maintained that its restraint from immediate reprisals against irrational civilian attacks on its troops on peace duty should not be taken for weakness. Rather, it speaks to its globally-acclaimed rating as one of the best-trained, responsible, disciplined and professional fighting forces across the world, stressing that recurring unprovoked attacks on its personnel by civilians was capable of dampening troops’ morale and fighting spirit.
Director Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Edward Buba in two separate statements, first, on Thursday at the regular bi-weekly media briefing on military activities and successes recorded in the various theaters of operations across all the six geo-political zones of the country, and second, on Friday while reacting to yesterday attack on troops of OP UDO KA in Abia State by suspects elements of the outlawed IPOB/ESN which he condemned while confirming the death of the five service personnel.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorists. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action and six civilians caught in the cross fire. The armed forces mourn the deaths of the troops and civilians as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack’’, his trending statement said.
At his regular bi-weekly briefing, Major General Edward Buba made reference to the killings of 17 personnel in Okuama Community in Delta State, and the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza, Abuja, saying that the situation had become “worrisome and leaves much to be desired”.
“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counterproductive and amount to self-sabotage,” he said.
The military however warned that such brazen attacks must cease “as it jeopardizes our common interest”. The DHQ said while the military is exhibiting restraint and professionalism in the face of these attacks, its professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness.
“If you touch one soldier, you touch all. If you touch a soldier in Abuja, the one in Borno or Zamfara is angry. It is our duty as senior officers to calm these young ones down, and say look, don’t worry, we are on top of the situation. So that they don’t feel that we don’t care,” Major General Edward Buba said.
“If troops err, report them and the military justice system will address the matter. We are at war, and citizens must realize that they also have a responsibility by their actions and utterances to support troops to keep the morale and fighting spirit of troops at optimal at all times,” Gen. Buba said.
He added that irrespective of what happened in Banex Plaza, jungle justice was never the way to go for all parties, therefore, “it was all shades of wrong”.
Meanwhile, marauding terrorists and bandits have continued to come under hammer in the hands of courageous troops, he said, citing the eventual killing of notorious terrorists such as Malam Mohammed, Modi Modi, amongst others. The month May saw the troops neutralize 624 terrorists, apprehend 1, 051 and rescue 563 kidnapped persons
Major General Edward Buba further said that the troops apprehended some suspects including their logistic suppliers and informants.
He added that the troops recovered 707 assorted weapons, 16,487 assorted ammunitions comprising 411 AK47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns and 43 pump action guns, amongst others.
In the North East, he said Operation Hadin Kai recorded huge operational successes by neutralising key terrorists such as Malam Mohammed, a leader of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cell in Sambisa Forest.
He futher disclosed that the troops had rescued 386 hostages who had been in captivity for over 10 years, adding the victims had been handed over to the Borno State Government.
“During the month, troops neutralised 306 terrorist, arrested 199 suspects and rescued additional 219 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops also recorded 1,099 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families as they recovered 200 AK47 rifles and 53 fabricated rifles among others,” he said.
In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted several offensive operations leading to the killing of 39 terrorists, while 140 suspects were apprehended with 77 kidnap hostages rescued.
“The troops also recovered nine AK47 rifles among others,’’ he said.
According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, have conducted several operations against terrorists and violent extremist strongholds and arrested violent extremists, their collaborators and several gunrunners.
He said the troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 184 suspects and rescued 48 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 27 assorted arms, with 2,237 rounds of 7.62mm special.
In the North West, Buba disclosed that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had instigated rival clash among the terrorist groups, which led to the elimination of a notorious terrorist commander, Usman Modi Modi.
“The troops killed the terrorist commander hitherto terrorising communities around Danmusa, Kankara and Safana LGAs of Katsina State.
“In Overall, the troops neutralised 262 terrorist, arrested 204 suspects and rescued 243 kidnap hostages,“ Buba said.
He further explained that the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has recorded significant air strikes to acquire terrorist camps in Faskari, Bayan Ruwa Maradun and Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The Director said under Operation Whirl Punch, troops neutralised 56 terrorists, arrested 150 suspects and rescued 80 hostages as well as recovered 23 AK47 rifles.
According to him, the air component destroyed terrorists’ training camp in Kuduru, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and enclaves at Kabago, Alawa Forest, Katarma and Kwaki general areas in Shiroro and Chikun Local Government Areas of Niger and Kaduna States.
Other successful operations recorded by the Army troops included Operations Delta Safe in the South-South, where troops denied the stealing of 4.12 million litres of crude oil, 793,796 litres of AGO and 4,480 litres of PMS.
“The troops also recovered 73 assorted weapons, destroyed 129 wooden boats, 686 assorted ammunitions and 223 illegal refining sites as well as neutralised five violent extremists and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves.
“The air component destroyed several illegal refining sites in different locations in Rivers,’’ Buba said.
He said South East UDO KA Operation frustrated the activities of the terrorist group and restored peace to troubled areas across the zone.
“The troops have in the month of May, neutralised 69 terrorist, arrested 115 suspects and rescued 32 kidnap hostages, and recovered eight AK47 rifles and 13 pump action guns.
“Overall, troops operations have denied the terrorists the ability to carry out major offensive and has significantly diminished their offensive capability,” he said.
