Terrorists killed as troops recapture Gwoza, BH HQ + photos from the operation

Statement from the Defence Headquarters below and
photos from the operation after the cut..

Sequel to the violent and heinous crimes
perpetrated by terrorists in North Eastern Nigeria,
the Armed Forces of Nigeria was tasked to halt the
carnage and restore sanity in that region. This
resulted in the deployment of land and air forces.

The deployment denied the terrorists the freedom
of action they had hitherto enjoyed and they
resorted to diversionary tactics known with
terrorist groups around the world by carrying out
isolated attacks and bombings.

The series of deployment and operational
effectiveness of the military were however
challenged by the porosity of the borders, which
gave the terrorists leverage to operate in Nigeria
and retreat into safe havens in neighbouring
countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The
recent reinvigoration of a partnership between
Nigeria and these neighbouring countries under
the auspices of Multi-National Joint Task Force
(MNJTF) provided the desired response to the
challenge, as these border areas that hitherto
served as hideouts for the terrorists have been
actively dominated by troops in the MNJTF. This
development decimated the fighting capabilities of
the terrorists, as the Nigerian military carries out
a final onslaught on the nation's enemy within the
country. These successful operations have
culminated in the dislodgment of terrorists from
towns and communities in Adamawa, Yobe and
Borno states. Just this morning, the gallant troops
of the Nigerian military in a concerted and well-
coordinated land and air operations have
liberated Gwoza, the headquarters of their so
called caliphate which they renamed 'darul
hikima'. This was preceded by successive sack of
terrorists from towns and villages leading to
Gwoza, the main objective. Several of the
terrorists have died and many of them captured in
the process. A lot of arms and ammunition have
been recovered and the administrative
Headquarters completely destroyed. A massive
cordon and search has commenced to locate any
of the fleeing terrorists or hostages in their
custody. As at yesterday, the military has been
able to take over virtually all the enclaves and
hideouts where the terrorists were marauding. It
is observed that some of the terrorists are
currently fleeing towards border areas. The
fleeing terrorists will expectedly run into
subsequent encounter with contingents of
partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force who
have been mandated to contain them accordingly.
The mop up operation in Gwoza and other
liberated areas will continue in order to ensure
that no vestiges of terrorists or terrorism remain
in our country. The Nigerian military and security
agencies therefore thank Nigerians and our
partners in the sub-region who have consistently
encouraged and supported us in the course of
these operations. The military is more than ever
before determined to once and for all stamp out
every trace of terrorism and insecurity in our
country. All citizens are urged to remain vigilant
and report every movement or assemblage of
suspicious characters to the security forces so
that NEVER AGAIN shall the evil elements re-group
to terrorize or cause mayhem in our country.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.