From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said 30 of the terrorists who attacked troops of the Guards Brigade in the Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), last Sunday, have been killed.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, who made the disclosure at the Bi-weekly news conference on military operations, yesterday, in Abuja, also assured Nigerians, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of their safety, saying the security situation in the nation’s capital was under control.
Onyeuko said the operation was conducted by troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion, in conjunction with the air component of “Operation Whirl Punch” between Sunday and Tuesday.
He said the troops successfully cleared Kawu and Ido villages neutralising the terrorists and destroyed their enclave and hideout. He said the ground troops also recovered six motorcycles, two AK47 rifles and one fully loaded LMG magazine, amongst others.
He assured that the armed forces working in synergy with the various security agencies is committed to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians. He urged citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of attack.
“The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wishes to reassure Nigerians of its commitment. With the recent operations carried out from July 13, we wish to assure residents of FCT Abuja, in particular, that we are undaunted and unrelenting in our efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties. People should go about their normal businesses as their safety is guaranteed.
“The support and cooperation of all Nigerians is, hereby, solicited as security is everybody’s business. Citizens are encouraged to report any unusual persons in your community to security agencies. If you see something, say something.”
Gen Onyeuko said over 30 terrorists were killed during the Bwari attack by the soldiers who recovered several weapons, just as military offensive operations in the entire FCT is yielding positive result.
Giving an insight into the Bwari attack, he said: “Troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion, in conjunction with the air component of Operation Whirl Punch, conducted a clearance patrol around the Bwari general area between July 24 – 26, 2022.
“Troops successfully cleared Kawu and Ido villages. Consequently, about 30 terrorists were neutralised and their enclave and hideout destroyed. Ground troops also recovered six motorcycles, two AK47 rifles and one fully loaded LMG magazine, amongst others.”