Emmanuel Onani 
…says terrorists in ‘ending life-cycle phase’
No fewer than 20 people were killed, while 52 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following the coordinated suicide bomb attacks that occurred in Gwoza, Borno State, over the weekend, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said on Tuesday.
In its first official reaction, the Military noted that attacks were triggered by multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device ( PBIED).
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday, added that a soldier, as well as two members of hybrid forces.
The statement reads: “Over the weekend, troops of Joint Task Force OP HADIN KAI in the NE theatre recorded a series of reprehensible terror attacks in Gworza LGA of Borno State. The coordinated attacks comprised multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices ( PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings.
“All the attacks took place on Saturday, 29 June 2024. The first was recorded at about 1500hrs when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device.
“Thereafter, at about 1700hrs, while efforts were on to stabilize and move casualties of the initial explosion to hospital for further treatment, there was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber.
“The second explosion was on the same street and in close proximity to the first explosion. Troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community in order to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties.
“However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew a third explosion was recorded. The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with an IED vest. The explosion killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
“The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty.
“On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment. The armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy”.
“It added thus: “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation. Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG MUSA, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.
“Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognized that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.
“Clearly, the terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline. Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorists. We must realize that terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
“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.
“Accordingly, we call on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and 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”.
