BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military for their successful defense of Kukawa town against Boko Haram insurgents.
On Monday, November 25, 2024, Gov. Zulum received a briefing on the military's operation, which resulted in the killing of many insurgents and the confiscation of their vehicles and motorcycles.
According to reports, the insurgents, emboldened by their recent attack on Kareto on November 16, 2024, attempted to advance on Kukawa township but were met with fierce resistance from the military.
In a statement issued on Monday by Prof. Usman Tar, commissioner of information and internal security, the troops, working on actionable intelligence, were able to counter the attack and inflict fatal harm on the insurgents.
While celebrating the military's success, the governor also expressed sympathy for the casualties suffered by the troops, including 2 CJTF personnel who were injured, 4 Nigerian Army fatalities, and 1 civilian who was struck by a stray bullet.
'I hasten to commend our gallant troops for this spectacular battle success. I also thank the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic leadership, direction and support to the armed forces to perform their constitutional duty of defending our country,' Gov. Zulum added.
The governor also cautioned the troops to remain vigilant and guided by the rules of engagement, warning of potential retaliatory attacks by the insurgents.
'Indeed, the Nigerian Armed Forces' efforts are admirable, but I hasten to admonish our troops to be vigilant and not to be carried away by this momentary success. They should watch out for retaliatory attack by the insurgents, and respond with decisive force,' the governor added.
Finally, Gov. Zulum called on citizens to continue supporting the armed forces with actionable intelligence to help counter the collective threats posed by the insurgents.