The Defence headquarters has vowed that no matter how long it takes, the military would continue to hunt for the killers of the 17 officers and soldiers, who were on a legitimate duty in the Delta State community.
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa made this known at a media briefing after a joint Military, Police and Paramilitary security meeting, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The CDS spoke through the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Major General Emeka Onumajuru on the latest Okuama operation.
“People have been asking questions about what is happening in Okuama. I want to let you know that the killing of 17 personnel of the armed forces of Nigeria will not go unpunished.
“Do you remember how long it took to get Osama Bin Laden. So, we are working on getting the killers of the 17 military personnel. No matter how long it takes, we will hunt them down,” he said.
According to him, the Defence headquarters was reviewing operations in the North West Zone of the country with a view for better synergy considering and results noting that the various operations will soon be brought together and harmonised under one Commander for more effectiveness.
He urged communities in the North West to desist from supporting or providing terrorists with information, noting that when troops who were embarking on a fighting patrol had their MRAP vehicle stuck in the swamp, it was locals of the community who informed the terrorists and they came and were making social media event of the situation.
“Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing because we have informants within the communities,” he appealed.