By Egena Sunday Ode
Ahead of his departure for a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the country’s security chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital and take charge of the situation there, following the recent terror strikes in the state.
In a statement he personally signed on Monday night, President Tinubu described the news of attack in Borno as “profoundly upsetting,” vowing that his administration would continue to intensify efforts against all criminal elements in the country.
Commending the troops for their courage and patriotism in repelling the Monday attacks targeted at military positions in the state capital, Tinubu noted that the attacks were the final and desperate attempts by the terrorist to spread and instill fear as they come under sustained pressure by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Tinubu wrote: “The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.
“I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state.
“The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.
“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.
“Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured.
“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.
“Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”
