…says only 4 persons abducted
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted allegations of abduction of over 500 people by terrorists in Zamfara State as seen on social media while in reality troops confirmed that 4 persons where abduction.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba made the denial in a press statement in Abuja on Friday on the ongoing Op of Hadarin Daji.
He explained that the virtual reality which is mostly on social media is more of fictitious figures and extreme exaggeration of the situation on the ground.
Maj Gen Buba affirmed that troops are fighting a vicious enemy in a complex combat environment in which several factors are at interplay both on and off the battlefield
According to him, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI which covers the North West (NW) of the country are actively fighting and conducting ongoing operations in and around Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.
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“It must be recalled that same was experienced during the Kuriga abduction during which the figures brandished were much higher than those truly abducted” he said.
On the issue of rotation or overstayed troops in operational area, the DDMO informed that the both issues were prioritised in line with enhancing troops welfare and administration which the current military leadership upon assumption of office addressed several of these issues.
“Accordingly, on the ground, troops continue to demonstrate stamina, resolve and strong desire to remain focused and stay the course until the enduring defeat of the terrorist and their cohorts.
“The military admits that there is still a lot of work ahead to better secure citizens and protect them from acts of terror. Efforts are ongoing to better the cooperation with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard.
“Efforts are ongoing to better secure the citizens in their farmlands with the set in of the rainy season. There is also a lot more ongoing, which is better left unsaid due to ongoing operations in the area.
“Overall, we are in a good and strong position in this war against the terrorist with many terrorist leaders killed. We are making them pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay” he stressed.
