Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sadness over the recent terrorist attack in the Darajamal community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. According to the source the attack recorded many civilians and soldiers alike casualties. In a condolence message signed by Shettima yesterday in Abuja and was made available through his Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President described the incident as a national tragedy.
He said: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the people of Borno State, and the Nigerian military over the tragic loss of our compatriots. These deaths have left the entire nation in collective grief, but we are confident that justice will be served for the bereaved families.”
The Vice President assured Borno State residents that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s has remained determined to frustrate terrorist activities from all part of the country.
He revealed that in a renewed order, the President’s has directed the Armed Forces to review current security tactical operations and deploy advanced military hardware and surveillance equipment to strengthen the fight against insurgent groups across the country.
Shettima hinted that the federal government was considering the establishing of state police, in line with President Tinubu’s position that some security challenges require specialised local units with the knowledge of terrain and culture to effectively safeguard communities.
On Saturday, Borno state Governor Zulum visited Darajamal, a community in bama LGA to commiserate with bereaved families over the Friday night assault by Boko Haram terrorists.
Subsequently, Nigerian Army revealed its troops have neutralised 23 terrorists and rescued 26 kidnap victims in coordinated operations.
The Defence Special Operations Force and Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded the feat in Kankara and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State.
It was learned that troops also arrested 14 suspected terrorists and criminals in the Northeast and Northcentral, recovered various caliber of weapons and logistics items.
Also, four members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrendered in the Northeast.
The military source said: “On September 6, troops of the 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Defence Special Operations Force and Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, conducted a major offensive in Pauwa village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The joint force made contact with terrorists entrenched on Pauwa Hill, leading to a fierce firefight supported by aerial intelligence and artillery fire.
“The operation resulted in the neutralisation of 23 terrorists, the rescue of 12 women and 11 children held in captivity, and the recovery of five motorcycles, spare parts, food supplies, and other logistics, which were destroyed in the situation.
“In Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops on patrol rescued three kidnapped locals after engaging fleeing terrorists near Shaiskawa village.”
Also in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of the 19 Brigade arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier attempting to transport items from Cross Kauwa to Dawoshi village. They recovered a mobile phone, a wristwatch, ₦55,000 in cash, and other items, while the suspect remains in custody for further investigation.
The military source added: “On September 6, four family members of ISWAP/JAS terrorists, comprising two women and two children, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed they fled from Lekshe village and are currently in custody for further profiling.
“In another development on September 7, troops of 232 Battalion raided a criminal hideout in Muva village, Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The operation led to the arrest of five suspected thieves and drug peddlers, who have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution.”
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the military disclosed its troops of 102 Guards Battalion at Dei-Dei Quick Response Group have arrested three suspects involved in phone snatching and other criminal activities around Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Zuba areas, and recovered four mobile phones and a smart watch.
“The suspects have been handed over to the police for further action.”
Also, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen has decried the attacks in Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Plateau, Kwara, and other parts of the country at the weekend as tragedy.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, in Abuja, Abbas described the killings as gruesome and unfortunate.
He urged the security forces to take decisive action against criminals and criminality across the country.
Abbas warned of the implications of insecurity to the socioeconomic stability of the country.