The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) expressed regret on Tuesday over the drone attack in Ligarma community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Sunday, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of civilian lives. The DHQ clarified that the operation was prompted by information about the “untoward activities of terrorists in the area.”
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, it was revealed that the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment detected the movement of terrorists in Ligarma around 2200hrs on Sunday. The aerial surveillance identified groups of persons exhibiting tactics and modus operandi consistent with terrorist activities.
Buba emphasized that the observed advancement of the terrorists posed a threat to critical infrastructure in the vicinity, necessitating proactive measures. The statement highlighted that the military takes extensive precautions to differentiate between civilians and terrorists, viewing civilian casualties as tragedies that are both needless and unwanted.
The military, Buba noted, consistently issues precise instructions to communities, urging them to inform troops about their activities, particularly in areas known to be infested with terrorists. This, he explained, aids the military in distinguishing between friendly and potentially harmful activities.
The armed forces, committed to adhering to international laws, will persist in their deliberate and cautious efforts to eradicate terrorists from the region, Buba assured. He acknowledged that terrorists often disguise themselves as civilians to carry out their acts of terror, prompting the military to continuously seek innovative solutions to the challenges encountered in their operations.
