In response to recent bombings in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has announced that the country is now in a state of war.
The attacks, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, prompted this declaration.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, characterized the incidents as involving multiple Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIED), also known as suicide bombings.
The attacks took place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State.
A female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar detonated an explosive device at a wedding reception, causing numerous casualties.
Buba further reported that as troops and hybrid forces were enforcing a curfew to mitigate further harm, a third explosion targeted them, resulting in the deaths of a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces.
He said, “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with IED vest. The blast killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
“The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty. On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment.”
Buba said the armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy.
He said, “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG MUSA, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.
“Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognised that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.
“Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorist. We must realise that the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
“The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise new recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government.”
“The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.” He added.