In the aftermath of Friday’s horrific suicide bomb attack that shattered the peace of a bustling fish market in Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, has visited the scene to commiserate with the victims and send a strong message of reassurance and resilience to the people of the Northeast.
The tragic blast—executed by an unidentified female suicide bomber disguised to blend into the crowd—claimed at least 16 lives and left scores injured. The attack bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram’s terror tactics, yet again exposing the desperate lengths insurgents are willing to go as their grip on territory continues to crumble under military pressure.
During his visit to Konduga—cutting short his operational tour of 26 Task Force Brigade Gwoza—Brigadier General Unachukwu condemned the cowardly attack in strong terms. Standing amidst grieving residents and ruins still soaked in anguish, the GOC pledged the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to defeat insurgency and restore normalcy in the region.
“This act is not only barbaric but also a sign of desperation—the last kick of a dying horse,” he said. “When enemies of peace resort to targeting civilians, especially women and children, it shows they have lost the capacity to face our troops head-on.”
The GOC further disclosed that troops of 7 Division, alongside sister security agencies, had swiftly cordoned off the area and conducted thorough sweeps to rule out secondary threats. He assured residents that intelligence operations were ongoing to dismantle sleeper cells and prevent future incidents.
‘Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing’
In a firm and cautionary tone, General Unachukwu implored residents to stay alert and watch out for insurgent sympathisers hiding in plain sight.
“These killers rely on enablers within communities—people who harbor them, people who spy for them. You must be vigilant. Report suspicious movements, report new faces without genuine reasons for being here,” he said.
He acknowledged the trauma of the community but urged them not to succumb to fear or apathy. “We must not let terror break our spirit or divide our communities. We must come together—civilians, security agencies, traditional rulers—to shut every door against the enemies of peace.”
United in Grief, United in Strength
The visit turned emotional as the GOC personally met with families of some of the victims, including a widow who lost her husband and son in the blast. Tears flowed freely, but so too did words of hope and prayers for protection.
General Unachukwu conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Army Staff and assured the victims of the Army’s support. Medical personnel from the military and partner agencies were said to be providing urgent treatment to the injured, while psychosocial support services were being mobilised.
“As soldiers, we do not only carry rifles. We also carry the burdens of the communities we are sworn to protect. And in this grief, we stand with you,” the GOC added.
A Renewed Call for Collaboration
Reiterating the army’s dedication to ending insurgency, Brigadier General Unachukwu emphasized that military might alone cannot win the war. He called for sustained community engagement, inter-agency coordination, and continued support from civil society and the media.
“This is not a war for the military alone. It’s a collective fight. The victory we seek will come faster when every man, woman, youth, and elder plays their role.”
The GOC’s visit brought a sense of healing and resolve, even in the face of heartbreak. Konduga may be wounded, but the spirit of its people remains unbroken.
“We will get through this together,” he concluded. “And we will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
Press Released Signed By AJEMASU YAKE JINGINA Lieutenant Colonel Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
7 Division Nigerian Army
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