The Defence Headquarters is working towards making sure that troops are properly protected while carrying out activities following the unfortunate killing of officers and soldiers in the Okuama community in Delta.

The Chief of Defence (Training and Operations), Emeka Onumajuru, told journalists about the military’s operations across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the military would ensure that troops were always configured in such a way that no matter the situation, their ability to defend themselves would be respected.

“I want to assure you that the killers of 17 personnel of the armed forces will not go unpunished, and we are hunting those responsible; we are looking for them.

“It may take time, no doubt, but the military will surely bring them to justice, as directed by Mr President. Aside from working on that, we are also working towards making sure that our troops are properly protected.

“We want to ensure that troops are always configured in such a way that no matter the situation, that force production element, that ability of the troops to defend themselves while carrying out activities, is respected,’’ he said.

On the Tundun Biri drone incident, Mr Onumajuru said the military had improved its civilian harm mitigation programme while ensuring the community was up and running.

He said the federal government had commenced a settlement scheme for persons impacted by conflict in the village and delivered relief materials to the community.

According to him, the Kaduna government is also constructing a 5.5-kilometre asphalt road that will lead to the Tudum biri community with its surrounding villages and towns.

“The military, on our part, have been able to station a permanent deployment in that location, which has increased the security around Tudun Biri and adjoining areas.

“As part of our civil-military activities, we have been able to carry out medical outreach in Tudun Biri and the military has also taken out boundaries permeating the area, making it much safer. We are committed to make sure that our operation fully has plans for civilian harm mitigation,’’ he added. 

(NAN)