.DHQ confirms troops killed 715 terrorists, arrested 146, rescued 465
Two army officers indicted by a panel set up to investigate the bombing of over 100 innocent persons in Tudun Birin, Igabi Local Council of Kaduna State, are now facing court martial.
There was outrage on Monday over the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, December 4, 2023, which left no fewer than 85 villagers dead.
Residents of the affected communities said they were celebrating Maulud, an Islamic event, when the bombs dropped, a development that triggered local and international condemnation.
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, had to visit Islamic clerics in the state to douse tension, as Governor Uba Sani ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to forestall recurrence.
As the state government moved to douse tension, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International (AI), among others, condemned the recurrent erroneous bombings by the military.
The officers, according to the Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj-Gen Edward Buba, are now facing court martial for their actions. However, he did not disclose the ranks and names of the indicted officers.
He said: “The investigation has been concluded and we found out that the incident should not have happened in the first place. Two officers have been indicted. I would not say much in order not to jeopardise the court.”
Briefing newsmen of the exploits of troops on the battlefront, Buba hinted that troops were simultaneously fighting in various theatres across the country against the various threats therein.
He said synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces during the period under review resulted in the killing of over 715 terrorists, the arrest of 146 and the rescue of 465 hostages.
