The Defence Headquarters has promised to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the killers of 17 officers and soldiers, who were working to ensure peace and security in Delta State, no matter the timeframe.
They also promised that Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist and bandit leader, who has been using social media platforms like TikTok to issue threats, boast about his exploits, and showcase ransom payments from kidnapped victims, will soon be apprehended by security forces.
At a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, following a joint security meeting, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa announced through Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru that the recent killing of 17 Nigerian armed forces personnel in Okuama will not go unpunished.
“Do you remember how long it took to get Osama Bin Laden. So, we are working on getting the killers of the 17 military personnel. No matter how long it takes, we will hunt them down.”
General Musa said the Defence headquarters was reviewing operations in the North West Zone of the country with a view for better synergy considering and results noting that the various operations will soon be brought together and harmonised under one Commander for more effectiveness.
He called on communities in the North West comprising Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi among others to desist from supporting or providing terrorists with information noting that when troops who were embarking on a fighting patrol had their MRAP vehicle stuck in the swamp , it was locals of the community who informed the terrorists and they came and were making social media event of the situation.
“On the issue of Turji, like I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time. We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue. Those following him are a bunch of deranged individuals with no allegiance to anybody.
“That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.
“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing because we have informants within the communities.”
“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.
“You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniforms, you don’t know them, but they know you.And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult.”
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