The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed that the military would go after terrorists and avenge the death of soldiers killed recently in Niger State.

The CDS said the military would hunt down and bring to justice, all terrorists, bandits, and enemies of Nigeria.

Musa made the vow in Abuja on Friday at the burial of military personnel who died recently in an ambush and air crash in Niger State.

He said the military would not be watching and allowed the enemies of Nigeria continue to destroy lives and properties.

The CDS assured the terrorists that the military would avenge the death of its personnel that were killed while defending the nation.

The defence chief said the day that military buried personnel was one of the most difficult days in every commander’s mind, adding that he felt highly pained to bury his officers and soldiers.

Musa said: “But I want to assure the families that their death is not in vain. We appreciate them, we pray for them and we will ensure that those that did this must pay for it.

READ ALSO: 20 soldiers killed in Niger State laid to rest in Abuja

“I use this opportunity to call all commanders, all troops all over Nigeria, that we must avenge this.

“Those that did this and those that have continued to kill our men wherever they are, we will get them out.”

He vowed that the military would smoke the gunmen out and ensure they never had opportunity to kill any other person.

The CDS said the burial was to also celebrate the soldiers’ lives and extra extraordinary contributions they had made, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be remembered.

He assured the deceased families that the military would stand with them in their grief and would continue to support them during this difficult time.

20 bodies of the deceased personnel were buried amidst tears at the National Military Cemetery in line with military tradition.

It would be recalled that three officers and 22 soldiers were killed in an ambush in the Zungeru area of Niger State, while seven were wounded.

The NAF helicopter was on a mission to evacuate the deceased and wounded troops when it crashed in the Chukuba area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on August 13.

The crashed helicopter was conveying 14 bodies of the previously killed soldiers and seven wounded ones, two pilots, and two crew members.

The Star