…War against terrorism a must-win, vows DHQ
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) on Friday called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a lasting solution to the incessant security challenges in the region.
The governors in their maiden meeting of this administration in Kaduna, appreciated the federal government for its efforts in the fight against insecurity, but noted that more measures were needed to be taken to rid the region of terrorism and other security challenges.
Chairman of the Forum, Governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed, in his opening remarks, sent condolence messages to the victims of the Tudun Biri bomb mishap that left over 100 people dead and scores injured.
He said: “Let me begin by expressing condolence to the people of Tudun Biri who are victims of the unfortunate bombing incident by the Nigerian Army unintended operations. We all witnessed the level of devastation and we all condemned the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the entire people of Kaduna state. I want to assure you that all the Northern governors are working assiduously to ensure that the unfortunate incident is thoroughly investigated with the view to compensating the victims and take corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.
“As governors of Northern states, while we are commending the federal government over the fight against insecurity, we believe that more needs to be done to bring an end to kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism bedeviling our region. Security and development are connected and we must apply them collectively. Without security there will be no development because investors can only invest in an environment where their resources are secured.”
He said further, “Infrastructure, educational development and agriculture can only flourish in the atmosphere of peace and security. Our people can only go to farms and pursue other economic livelihood and other social activities when their safety is guaranteed. Therefore, addressing insecurity and other challenges is crucial to the overall development and well being of the region. In this regard all the 19 Northern governors are united in our commitment in addressing those challenges.”
DHQ’s avowals
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed that the on-going operations against terrorists and insecurity were a war in which the military “has no choice, but to win.”
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said this Friday in a statement.
He also said the military the conducting the war against terrorists in accordance with the laws of armed conflict and based on intelligence.
Gen. Buba said on-going operations are also based on both military necessity and on distinguishing between civilians, noncombatants, and terrorists.
“The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrendered,” he said.
Releasing updates on troops’ operations across the country in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops killed 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 of them were arrested.
“Recently, the military conducted two major air strikes on the terrorist enclave. One of the strikes, on 6 December 23, neutralized several top terrorist commanders. Namely, one Machika, a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of a notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide).
“Other prominent terrorist leaders neutralized include Haro and Dan Muhammadu, both of whom are specialists in kidnapping and assault operations respectively.
“Additionally, on December 11, 23, through a synchronised strike between air and ground forces aimed at the same target. A renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara state, and Ali Alhaji Alheri popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje was neutralised in Munya LGA of Niger state along with many of his foot soldiers.
According to the military high command, the military was fast closing in on others and they would equally suffer the same fate.
South-east conquests
On troops operation in the South-east, Buba said on December 13 troops in conjunction with other security agencies arrested a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The commander, one Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa, was arrested together with three other sub-commanders, namely; Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.
“The trio were arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu local government area of Enugu state. They gathered to plot a take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu state chapter from the apprehended former commander known as “Chocho.” They also planned to attack troop locations.
“During the raid, Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa, sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape. It could be recalled that Mr. Uchechukwu Akpa was the second-in-command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody. Subsequently, another raid connected with the arrest was conducted in December 142. Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, Two AK 47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one pump action rifle.”
According to Buba, troops also arrested 66 oil thieves and rescued 89 kidnap victims.
The defence spokesperson said troops on operations in the South-south region recovered 357,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,300 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 20,600 litres of petrol.
He said the troops also destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 115 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs, 10 cooling systems, 10 receivers, three pumping machines, 64 illegal refining sites.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 67 assorted weapons and 1,194 assorted ammunition. The breakdown are as follows: 20 AK-47 rifles, four pump action guns, five locally fabricated rifles, two locally fabricated double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol, four locally made pistols, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, one round of 5.56mm ammo, 15 live cartridges.
“Others are: One magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one LMG magazine, one CZ pistol magazine, seven empty magazines, one locally made pistol magazine, one damaged magazine, one Dane gun butt, five vehicles, 14 mobile phones, 32 motorcycles, one laptop and the sum of N1,123,800.00 amongst other items.”
