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Borno suicide bombing meant to cover terrorists’ weakness – DHQ
Borno suicide bombing meant to cover terrorists’ weakness – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters has described the suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State, as cowardly acts by terrorists designed to create a sense of strength despite their vulnerability and decline.
The terrorists’ bomb strikes on Saturday were the bloodiest in recent memory. These incidents have sparked widespread attention, both locally and globally.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, four female suicide bombers were used to carry out the separate strikes in Gwoza.
He stated that the first attack involved a woman posing as a beggar at a wedding reception; the second attack occurred on the same street while efforts were being made to stabilise casualties; the third attack occurred while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing a curfew imposed on the residents; and the fourth incident involved a suicide bomber detonating the bomb prematurely after being detected early.
The statement read, “Over the weekend, troops of Joint Task Force OP Hadin Kai in the NE theatre recorded a series of reprehensible terror attacks in Gworza LGA of Borno State. The coordinated attacks comprised multiple person Bourne-improvised explosive devices, otherwise known as suicide bombings.
“All the attacks took place on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The first was recorded at about 1500 hrs, when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated an improvised explosive device.
“Thereafter, at about 1700 hrs, while efforts were on to stabilise and move casualties of the initial explosion to the hospital for further treatment,.
“There was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber. The second explosion was on the same street and near the first explosion.
“Troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties. However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew, a third explosion was recorded.
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It added, “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with an IED vest. The explosion killed a soldier and two members of the 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 people were killed, while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and received treatment.”
Buba stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commiserated with all the victims of the incidents.
He said, “The armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for society, the 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.”
Buba stated that the attacks were the result of successes against terrorism. He stated that the terrorists attacked to conceal their inferiority.
Buba said, “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 the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base, and reduced their influence.
“Clearly, the terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline. Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorists. We must realise that the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.”
He claimed that the attacks demonstrated the terrorists’ desire to gain attention, erode support for security authorities, and recruit new members.
Buba added, “The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise recruits, reduce support for the armed forces, and reduce support for the government.”
Buba warned that forces would make the terrorists pay for it on the battlefield.
He said, “Accordingly, we call on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support the efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future. The fate of the terrorists who perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short, as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.”
Borno suicide bombing meant to cover terrorists’ weakness – DHQ
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Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming an ongoing terror attack in Abuja, describing the content as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to incite panic within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said there is no record of any such attack in Abuja, stressing that the claims in the video are completely fabricated and malicious.
The Force explained that preliminary investigations showed the video was constructed using unrelated footage sourced from online platforms and edited to create a false impression of insecurity in the nation’s capital.
According to the police, the aim of the content was to spread fear, disrupt public order, and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.
The statement emphasized that the circulation of such material amounts to misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, which can trigger unnecessary panic and threaten public safety.
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The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and distribution of the viral video.
Authorities said the arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic analysis that traced the origin and spread of the false content to the suspect.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of false information capable of endangering public peace and national security.
It urged members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing and to rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates.
The Force further warned that individuals or groups involved in spreading false security alerts online will be tracked and prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.
Police authorities assured residents that Abuja remains calm and under tight security surveillance, with routine patrols and intelligence operations ongoing across the city.
They added that the security agencies are fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing any attempt to create fear or confusion through digital platforms.
The development comes amid growing concern over the spread of unverified security alerts in Nigeria, which authorities say can cause unnecessary tension and disrupt daily life.
Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect
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Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
At least eight people have been killed in a fresh gunmen attack in Plateau State after armed attackers invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area during a late-night raid.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday around 11pm in Plateau State, saw gunmen storm the community and open fire on residents, leaving several others injured and many still missing.
Victims were largely members of the same family, with the deceased identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance.
“There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning,” he said.
Mallai added that the attackers moved freely during the operation, firing indiscriminately at residents and escaping before security forces arrived.
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He also alleged a delayed response from security operatives, claiming that residents were left vulnerable despite the proximity of security formations in the area.
According to him, “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”
The development has sparked anger among residents, with reports that some community members were considering protests over what they described as repeated failures to protect rural settlements.
Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as devastating and targeted.
“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. Eight people are confirmed dead, some injured, others still missing,” he said.
Three additional victims were reported injured and are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Plateau State were unsuccessful, while military officials attached to the Joint Task Force said they would provide updates later.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State’s Bokkos and surrounding LGAs, where rural communities have repeatedly come under assault by armed groups.
In recent weeks, neighbouring areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have also recorded deadly attacks, further heightening fears across the state.
Community groups have continued to accuse attackers of targeting farming settlements and rural roads, while calling for stronger security presence and improved surveillance across vulnerable corridors.
Security analysts warn that the recurring violence reflects a deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities face frequent night raids, ambushes, and displacement.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments are expected in the affected area to prevent further escalation.
Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
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Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.
The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.
“I received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” AbdulRazaq said.
According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.
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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.
Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.
Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.
To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.
The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.
The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.
“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.
Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.
The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.
Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
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