Military will avenge deaths of slain soldiers, CDS vow

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said that the military will hunt down and bring to justice, all terrorists, bandits and enemies of the state who had continued to destroy lives and properties.

Musa made the vow at the burial of military personnel who died recently in combat and air crash in Niger, yesterday in Abuja.

He assured the terrorists that the military would go after them and avenge the death of its personnel that were killed while defending the nation.

The defence chief said the day that military buries personnel was one of the most difficult days in every commander’s mind, adding that he felt highly pained to bury his officers and soldiers.

“But I want to assure the families that their death is not in vain. We appreciate them, we pray for them and we will ensure that those that did this must pay for it.

“I use this opportunity to call on all commanders, all troops all over Nigeria, that we must avenge this.

“Those that did this and those that have continued to kill our men wherever they are, we will get them out, we smoke them out and we ensure that they never have opportunity to kill any other person. That I assure you.

“Today, we gather here with heavy hearts and tearful eyes to bid farewell to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation.

“We stand here today to honor their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty. Their lives were abruptly taken from us in the line of duty while responding to a distress call in the Chukuba community in Shiroro Local Council Area of Niger,” he said.

Musa said the event was to also celebrate their lives and extra extraordinary contributions, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be remembered.

He assured the deceased families that the military would stand with them in their grief and would continue to support them during this difficult time.

“These men and women laid down their lives so that we can live in peace and security. Their courage and dedication will forever be an inspiration to all to follow.

“To the families who have lost loved ones, notwithstanding our deepest condolences, we cannot begin to fathom the pain and sorrow that you are experiencing but know that deep in your heart, you are not alone in your grief.

“To our fallen heroes, we will honor your memories by continuing to fight against those who seek to undermine our peace and security.

“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to be the nation worthy of sacrifice,” he added.

Twenty bodies of the deceased personnel were buried amidst tears at the National Military Cemetery in line with military tradition.

Recall that three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Zungeru general area of the state while seven were wounded in action.

The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed at Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Council Area of the state on August 13, 2023.

The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, with two pilots and two crew members.

Present at the cemetry were the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Mohammed and Minister of State, Bello Mattawale. Others are Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Navy Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Hassan, among other top military personnel.

While some family members of the deceased were seen in tears, the Nigerian Armed Forces flag flew at half mast in the cemetery.