The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vowed to go after terrorists and bandits causing havoc in different parts of the country, warning that they have no place to hide.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Edward Buba said the Nigerian Military is determined to hunt down and eliminate the terrorists and other criminal elements.
Stressing the resolve of the military, Gen Buba warned that the terrorists would not live to raise their sons and daughters if they have any.
He made the angry but bold declaration while confirming that three officers, 22 soldiers, two pilots and crew members were killed while another seven persons were wounded in action during an ambush by terrorists, which resulted in a fire-fight with insurgents in Shiroro, Niger State.
The Defence spokesperson said following the confrontation, an Air Force plane was deployed to evacuate 17 dead and seven wounded-in-action soldiers to Kaduna but the aircraft also crashed during the evacuation process.
Buba however debunked reports that the plane was shot down by terrorists, stating that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of the crash, revealing further that the troops also killed 28 terrorists during the encounter.
In his warning, the military chief said, “No group will strike own troops without injurious consequences. Troops will use superior force to eliminate enemies of state.
“Troops will bring overwhelming military force on any group undermining the peace of the nation. It is stating the obvious that the Armed Forces possess the power and the will to hunt down those who wish to bring harm to our citizens.
“The ongoing operation is a direct message to those who question the resolve of the military. It is also a message to members of the violent extremist groups that think that they can hide.
“They can rest assured that others will raise their sons and daughters, that is if they have sons and daughters.
“I wish to, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of officers and men, who were killed in an ambush by terrorists and the fire-fight that ensued. Three officers, 22 soldiers, two pilots and crew members died, while seven were wounded in action.
“Casualty evacuation followed, while the operation was on return to Kaduna, the plane carrying 17 previously killed crashed. Seven wounded in action, two pilots and two crew members were killed.”
