Statement from the Defence Headquarters below and photos from the operation after the cut..
Sequel to the violent and heinous crimes perpetrated by terrorists in
North Eastern Nigeria, the Armed Forces of Nigeria was tasked to halt
the carnage and restore sanity in that region. This resulted in the
deployment of land and air forces.
The deployment denied the terrorists the freedom of action they had
hitherto enjoyed and they resorted to diversionary tactics known with
terrorist groups around the world by carrying out isolated attacks and
bombings.
The series of deployment and operational effectiveness of the military
were however challenged by the porosity of the borders, which gave the
terrorists leverage to operate in Nigeria and retreat into safe havens
in neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The recent reinvigoration of a partnership between Nigeria and these
neighbouring countries under the auspices of Multi-National Joint Task
Force (MNJTF) provided the desired response to the challenge, as these
border areas that hitherto served as hideouts for the terrorists have
been actively dominated by troops in the MNJTF. This development
decimated the fighting capabilities of the terrorists, as the Nigerian
military carries out a final onslaught on the nation’s enemy within the
country. These successful operations have culminated in the dislodgment
of terrorists from towns and communities in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno
states.
Just this morning, the gallant troops of the Nigerian military in a
concerted and well-coordinated land and air operations have liberated
Gwoza, the headquarters of their so called caliphate which they renamed
‘darul hikima’. This was preceded by successive sack of terrorists from
towns and villages leading to Gwoza, the main objective. Several of the
terrorists have died and many of them captured in the process. A lot of
arms and ammunition have been recovered and the administrative
Headquarters completely destroyed. A massive cordon and search has
commenced to locate any of the fleeing terrorists or hostages in their
custody.
As at yesterday, the military has been able to take over virtually all
the enclaves and hideouts where the terrorists were marauding. It is
observed that some of the terrorists are currently fleeing towards
border areas. The fleeing terrorists will expectedly run into subsequent
encounter with contingents of partners in the Multinational Joint Task
Force who have been mandated to contain them accordingly. The mop up
operation in Gwoza and other liberated areas will continue in order to
ensure that no vestiges of terrorists or terrorism remain in our
country.
The Nigerian military and security agencies therefore thank Nigerians
and our partners in the sub-region who have consistently encouraged and
supported us in the course of these operations. The military is more
than ever before determined to once and for all stamp out every trace of
terrorism and insecurity in our country. All citizens are urged to
remain vigilant and report every movement or assemblage of suspicious
characters to the security forces so that NEVER AGAIN shall the evil
elements re-group to terrorize or cause mayhem in our country.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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