The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has vowed to track down the killers of 17 military officers and soldiers in Delta State, promising that justice will be served no matter how long it takes.
The officers were on a legitimate mission to maintain peace and security in the Okuama community when they were attacked.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), made this commitment during a media briefing in Abuja after a joint security meeting involving the military, police, and other paramilitary forces.
Speaking through Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, General Musa emphasized that the Nigerian military would not rest until the perpetrators are caught.
The CDS said: “People have been asking questions about what is happening in Okuama. I want to let you know that the killing of 17 personnel of the armed forces of Nigeria will not go unpunished.
“Do you remember how long it took to get Osama Bin Laden. So, we are working on getting the killers of the 17 military personnel. No matter how long it takes, we will hunt them down.”
The military also pledged to capture Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader known for his criminal activities and taunting videos on social media, where he displays cash obtained from ransoms. General Musa described Turji as a “deranged individual” and assured the public that his capture was only a matter of time.
“On the issue of Turji, like I said, he is just a deranged individual who feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time. We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue. Those following him are a bunch of deranged individuals with no allegiance to anybody.
“That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.
“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing because we have informants within the communities.”
“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.
“You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniforms, you don’t know them, but they know you.And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult.”
