Police, army begin clearance operations in Borno after deadly bombings

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that the Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, along with its counterpart in the Nigerian Army, has begun “clearance operations to ensure that no further threats infiltrate any part of Borno State or its neighbouring states.”

The Guardian reports that the development follows the recent suicide bombings in the state which have left the community in mourning, with the death toll now reaching 32.

The tragic blasts occurred over the weekend, causing widespread anguish among the residents.

Egbetokun, while condemning the suicide bombings in Gwoza, vowed that the police force would continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies to combat criminal and violent attacks in the country.

Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said the IGP “strongly condemned the recent suicide bombings” and extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly the families and loved ones of those affected.

“In swift response to these atrocities, the IGP has deployed additional personnel and resources to Borno State to bolster security, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of our obligation to their total safety and security,” the statement read.

Egbetokun has also directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department to enhance intelligence gathering nationwide for more effective anti-crime operations.

At least 32 individuals were killed when suicide bombers detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Gwoza over the weekend. The attacks, which were among the deadliest in recent months, left scores of people injured, with injuries ranging from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures. The blasts have sparked outrage locally and globally, with the United Nations and the United States condemning the incidents.

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. As of now, no terror group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, a former governor of the state, visited the injured victims on Monday and expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased.