Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing them as “final desperate attempts” by criminals under pressure from security forces.
In a statement personally signed on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed condolences to families of victims, sympathised with the injured, and pledged solidarity with Borno residents.
The President commended the bravery of military personnel who repelled the attacks, saying, “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.”
Tinubu assured that security agencies are intensifying efforts to defeat terrorists, noting recent approvals for additional equipment and operational support.
“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,” Tinubu said, assuring Nigerians of their safety.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu, who is currently in the UK, directed security chiefs to travel to Maiduguri, emergency agencies to support victims, and vowed, “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.”
The attacks, which targeted the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Monday Market, and Post Office areas, left 23 dead and 108 injured.
Authorities have restored normalcy, increased patrols, and launched investigations into the incident.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the attacks, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane.”
The Northern States Governors’ Forum also expressed sympathy for victims and commended security agencies for their response.
Tinubu’s statement emphasised that terrorists are resorting to desperate acts due to pressure from security forces.
“These acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instill and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” he said.
The President’s assurance comes as security analysts attribute the attacks to Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
