Over the weekend, the Joint Task Force OP HADIN KAI in the North-East theatre faced a series of coordinated terror attacks in Gworza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.
The attacks, carried out by multiple suicide bombers using Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs), occurred on Saturday, June 29, 2024, and resulted in significant casualties.
The first attack took place at approximately 1500 hours, when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, infiltrated a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated her IED.
Two hours later, as efforts were underway to stabilize and move casualties from the initial explosion to the hospital, a second female suicide bomber detonated another device in close proximity to the first explosion site.
In response, troops swiftly imposed a curfew to contain the situation and prevent further casualties. Despite these measures, a third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. This attack, carried out by another female suicide bomber, resulted in the deaths of a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces.
A fourth potential attack was averted when the suspect was identified early, causing her to detonate the bomb prematurely, resulting in her being the sole casualty. Overall, the attacks claimed 20 lives and left 52 individuals with varying degrees of injuries, all of whom are currently receiving treatment.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence, conveyed the armed forces’ deep sorrow over the loss of life, emphasizing that each casualty, whether civilian or military, is a profound tragedy for the society, community, and nation.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. CG Musa, and the entire armed forces, Major General Buba extended condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the injured victims.
These attacks, according to Major General Buba, are a desperate response to recent successful military operations that have significantly weakened the terrorists. “Our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base, and diminished their influence,” he stated.
He urged citizens to recognize the terrorists’ tactics to project strength despite their declining power. “The terrorists aim to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic among the general population,” Major General Buba explained.
He called on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue supporting the armed forces’ efforts to secure a peaceful future.”The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated these insecurities will be violent and short, as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” he concluded.
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