The military personnel were killed on Thursday when the troops responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state were ambushed by the youths.
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of state for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have both vowed that the killers of 16 military personnel by irate youths of Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State would be brought to book.
The ministers made the vow on Monday while condemning in its totality the heinous attack on the military personnel during a rescue mission of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in the community.
The military personnel were killed on Thursday when the troops responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the state were ambushed by the youths.
The ministers in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, recalled that the ambush at Okuama community resulted in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer, 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt Col AH Ali, two Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, along with the unfortunate death of a civilian.
The ministers said that "This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation. Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty.”
Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Sunday directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, and the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, to actively investigate the incident to ensure that those responsible for the attack face the full force of the law.
The ministers said, "We affirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of all Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to our nation’s sovereignty and stability.
“Additionally, we assure the Nigerian people that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice, and we remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquility across the nation in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
They reiterated the Nigerian government's resolve in maintaining, securing the nation and the people of Nigeria.
According to the ministers, "Our unwavering support for the armed forces and their efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country is not negotiable. We will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving lasting peace and tranquility in every region of our dear country.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as with the entire nation mourning this irreparable loss. We stand united in grief with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces during this difficult time.
“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.
For the ministers, Nigerian security would be better under President Bola Tinubu's watch, adding that the incident would not stop the Nigerian military from performing their constitutional duty of protecting Nigerians.
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