The Nigerian Army has declared that the country has receded into a state of war, following the recent bombings in Borno State that left scores dead and injured.

In a statement, Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, described the terror attacks as “comprising multiple Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings”.

The attacks occurred on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in the Gworza Local Government Area of Borno State.

A female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar detonated an improvised explosive device at a wedding reception, killing and injuring several people.

According to Buba, as troops and hybrid forces enforced a curfew to prevent further casualties, a third explosion targeted them, killing a soldier and two members of the hybrid forces.

He said, “The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with IED vest. The blast killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.

“The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty. On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment.”

Buba said the armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy.

He said, “The sad loss of lives is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.

“Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG MUSA, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.

“Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognised that this despicable act is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence.

He added, “Citizens must see through the smoke screen of the terrorist. We must realise that the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.

“The military is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, the terrorists are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise new recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government.”

The army therefore called on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts of the armed forces, to ensure a secure and peaceful future.

He said, “The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.”