By Milcah Tanimu
Major General Jamai Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, has pledged that operations in Okuama Community will continue until the stolen military arms are recovered.
The commitment follows the tragic incident on March 14, 2024, when 17 military officers were killed in Okuama. In a statement made on Tuesday at Effurun during the commissioning of a new transit accommodation for 3 Battalion soldiers, constructed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, General Abdussalam assured that the army’s efforts will persist until the stolen arms are returned.
The GOC clarified that the recent military operations in Okuama were routine and not an invasion. “We will not rest until our equipment and arms are recovered,” he emphasized. “If the Nigerian Army conducts operations, it’s not an invasion; it’s part of our normal military duties.”
Addressing concerns about whether the recent raid involved genuine soldiers or criminals in military uniforms, Abdussalam refuted allegations that the attackers were impostors. He stressed that legitimate military operations are carried out with official military equipment and vessels, not with gunboats marked with army insignia.
While the GOC could not confirm casualties from Monday’s operation, unverified reports indicate that at least three individuals were killed and more than six villagers were either arrested or reported missing.
This operation follows the recent arrest of two individuals wanted in connection with the March attack on the 17 soldiers. Okuama’s monarch, Clement Ikolo, who was briefly detained and later released, has urged residents to remain calm as efforts for a peaceful resolution continue.
Discussion about this post