In response to the tragic killing of military personnel during a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State, the Nigerian Army has initiated a comprehensive counter operation to apprehend the perpetrators.
The incident, which resulted in the loss of the Commanding Officer 181 battalion, Lt. Col Ali, two Majors, one Captain, and 12 soldiers, has spurred swift action from the military in collaboration with the Navy and Airforce.
Sources indicate that the primary objective of the counter operation is to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the heinous act, which included the barbaric act of beheading some of the slain soldiers, as evidenced in viral videos of the recovered bodies.
The operation is being coordinated by senior military officials, including the Land Component Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdusalam, the GOC 6 Division, and the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral John Okeke.
The decision to launch the counter operation follows the directive from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabim Musa, to arrest all individuals involved in the attack and thoroughly investigate its cause.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, confirmed the tragic incident and emphasized the military’s commitment to unraveling the motive behind the attack.
While efforts are underway to restore calm and security in the affected area, reports have emerged of houses being burnt and residents fleeing to neighboring communities for safety amidst fears of reprisals by troops. However, military sources have dismissed these reports as potential attempts by criminal elements to exploit the situation and create diversion.
A longstanding communal clash between neighboring Okuoma and Okoloba communities over land matters has been cited as the underlying tension leading to the recent escalation of violence.
Despite the challenges posed by the volatile situation, military authorities remain resolute in their determination to fulfill the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff and ensure that justice is served for the fallen soldiers and their families.
As the counter operations continue, the Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Delta State and across the nation, while urging cooperation from all stakeholders to bring the perpetrators of this reprehensible crime to justice.