By Achile Danjuma
In a decisive response to Monday’s multiple bombings in Borno State, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the nation’s Service Chiefs to immediately relocate to Maiduguri to take direct control of security operations in the region.
The directive comes after coordinated attacks, suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram terrorists around 7:25 pm, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people and left more than 100 others injured.
President Tinubu issued the order while reacting to the tragic incidents shortly before his departure for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom. In a statement, he vowed that the Federal Government would not be cowed by terror.
“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,” the President said.
Describing the attacks as the “final desperate and frantic attempts” of criminals facing relentless pressure from the military, Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to security.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are being carried out by elements trying to instil fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces operating in various theatres. We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” he stated.
The President commended the troops for repelling the assaults on military positions, praising their “courage and fighting spirit.” He reiterated that the terrorists would be defeated, noting that recent approvals for additional equipment and operational support following a security meeting last weekend were already being implemented.
“Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down,” Tinubu affirmed. “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.”
Beyond the military directive, the President instructed emergency management agencies to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care. He concluded with a firm warning to the perpetrators.
“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.”