Following a press briefing by
Defence Headquarters today on the recent military operations in Konduga and
other places in Borno and Adamawa States, the Director Defence Information,
Major General Chris Olukolade address the press. Below is a script of the address.
The images in this story are
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Nigerian troops have been
conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at
containing the terrorists in the North East part of the country. Somehow, it
became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror
were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri which is their prime
target.
There was therefore the need
to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected. It is noteworthy
that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between 12 and 17
September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their
atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.
The convoy of combat vehicles
typical of terrorists’ mission that involves their top commanders, were
fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. Several of the terrorists
including some of their commanders lost their lives in the encounters which
lasted an average of about 5 hours each. The troops captured some of the
terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed
Bashir who has been acting or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau,
the eccentric character known as leader of the group died. Since the name
Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’
leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who
assumes that designation or title as well as all terrorists that seek to
violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.
On restoring normalcy after
the encounter, inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists
activities corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias
Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam alias Damasack etc. Indeed, the
recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the
renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country.
Meanwhile, a total of 135
terrorists have yesterday evening surrendered along with equipment to troops
around Biu Local Government Area. A group of 88 submitted themselves at
Mairiga/Bun – Yadi while another group of 45 terrorists were taken
in around Mubi – Michika. They are all being interrogated and processed
in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.
The Defence Headquarters
applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and
professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror. The keen interest
exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate them.
All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian
military’s resolve to maintain momentum in the efforts to
decimate and defeat terrorists. The invaluable efforts toward achieving
sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreciated.
It is nevertheless necessary
to alert all citizens that there is still the need for even more vigilance and
cooperation with the security forces. Everybody is required to remain alert to
ensure that we are not taken unawares by terrorist elements who might want to
carry-out isolated attacks in any part of our country.
The authorities say it had more floors than its foundation could hold.
