The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has provided an update on the recent series of suicide bombings that rocked Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State on Saturday, 29 June 2024.
The attacks, which involved multiple Person Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIEDs), resulted in significant casualties.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the first explosion occurred around 1500hrs when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar infiltrated a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated her device.
He said as emergency responders worked to stabilize and transport the injured from the initial blast, a second female suicide bomber struck the same street at approximately 1700hrs, causing further casualties.
He further stated that in response to the attacks, troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai imposed a curfew on the community to prevent additional harm.
He added that despite these efforts, a third female suicide bomber targeted the troops enforcing the curfew, resulting in the death of a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces.
Also, a fourth bombing attempt was thwarted when the suspect was identified early and detonated her device prematurely, becoming the sole casualty in that incident.
The DHQ confirmed that a total of 20 people were killed and 52 others sustained various degrees of injuries, currently receiving treatment.
The armed forces have expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of their commitment to eradicating terrorism.
“Our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base, and diminished their influence,” Buba stated.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and united, recognizing the terrorists’ attempts to create panic and disrupt societal order.
“The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilize new recruits, reduce support for the armed forces, and reduce support for the government,” Buba explained.
The DHQ called on the public to continue supporting the armed forces in their efforts to ensure a secure and peaceful future, vowing that the fate of the terrorists will be “violent and short” as the troops will relentlessly pursue and eliminate them from the battlefield.
