Defence Headquarters expressed satisfaction for the
support received
from Nigerians and foreigners!
Sequel to
the violent and heinous crimes perpetrated by terrorists in North Eastern
Nigeria, the Armed Forces of Nigeria was tasked to halt the carnage and restore
sanity in that region. This resulted in the deployment of land and air forces.The deployment denied the terrorists the freedom of
action they had hitherto enjoyed and they resorted to diversionary tactics
known with terrorist groups around the world by carrying out isolated attacks
and bombings. The series of deployment and operational effectiveness of the
military were however challenged by the porosity of the borders, which gave the
terrorists leverage to operate in Nigeria and retreat into safe havens in
neighboring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The recent reinvigoration of a partnership between Nigeria and these
neighbouring countries under the auspices of Multi-National Joint Task Force
(MNJTF) provided the desired response to the challenge, as these border areas
that hitherto served as hideouts for the terrorists have been actively
dominated by troops in the MNJTF. This development decimated the fighting
capabilities of the terrorists, as the Nigerian military carries out a final
onslaught on the nation’s enemy within the country. These successful operations
have culminated in the dislodgment of terrorists from towns and communities in
Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states.
Just this morning, the gallant troops of the Nigerian military in a
concerted and well-coordinated land and air operations have liberated Gwoza,
the headquarters of their so called caliphate which they renamed ‘darul
hikima’. This was preceded by successive sack of terrorists from towns
and villages leading to Gwoza, the main objective. Several of the
terrorists have died and many of them captured in the process. A
lot of arms and ammunition have been recovered and the administrative
Headquarters completely destroyed. A massive cordon and search has commenced to
locate any of the fleeing terrorists or hostages in their custody.
As at yesterday, the military has been able to take over virtually all
the enclaves and hideouts where the terrorists were marauding. It is observed
that some of the terrorists are currently fleeing towards border areas. The
fleeing terrorists will expectedly run into subsequent encounter with
contingents of partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force who have been
mandated to contain them accordingly. The mop up operation in Gwoza and other
liberated areas will continue in order to ensure that no vestiges of terrorists
or terrorism remain in our country.
The Nigerian military and security agencies therefore thank Nigerians
and our partners in the sub-region who have consistently encouraged and
supported us in the course of these operations. The military is more than ever
before determined to once and for all stamp out every trace of terrorism and
insecurity in our country. All citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report
every movement or assemblage of suspicious characters to the security forces so
that NEVER AGAIN shall the evil elements re-group to terrorize
or cause mayhem in our country.
Thank you and God
bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
