Fatimah Otunsanya
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and take charge of the situation following deadly explosions that rocked the Borno State capital, even as he ordered emergency agencies to provide immediate care for the injured.
The directive comes in the wake of Monday night’s attacks in which suspected terrorists detonated explosives at three locations across Maiduguri, leaving at least 23 persons dead and about 108 others injured, according to police authorities.
Announcing the measures in a statement, President Tinubu said the deployment of top security leadership and emergency response teams was aimed at restoring order and ensuring prompt medical attention for victims.
“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,” the President said.
President Tinubu, who expressed deep sorrow over the attacks, mourned those who lost their lives and extended sympathy to the injured, while standing in solidarity with the people of Borno State.
Describing the incidents as “deeply upsetting,” the President said the attacks reflected desperate attempts by terrorist groups under sustained pressure from Nigerian forces.
“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,” he said.
He noted that ongoing military operations across various theatres have significantly constrained the capacity of terrorist elements, forcing them into sporadic and desperate attacks.
The President also commended the bravery of Nigerian troops and civilian task forces who repelled coordinated assaults on military formations 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,” he added.
President Tinubu further disclosed that he had recently approved additional equipment and operational support for security and intelligence agencies to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, he declared that no part of Nigeria would be ceded to terrorists.
“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the government remains resolute in its determination to defeat insurgency and restore lasting peace, stressing that “Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”
