President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration is determined to locate terrorists, confront them, and completely defeat them following recent explosions in Maiduguri, Borno.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday while reacting to Monday’s suicide bombings carried out by Boko Haram in parts of the Maiduguri metropolis.
The coordinated explosions occurred at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Monday Market Roundabout, and the Post Office.
In a statement he personally signed to sympathise with the Borno State government and victims, the President stressed that “Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”
He disclosed that he had directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation immediately.
Tinubu also recalled the recent measures taken by his administration to combat terrorism, including the approval of additional equipment and operational support to strengthen the military’s capabilities.
“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,” he said.
“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 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.”
The President commended the efforts of security forces, noting that troops had successfully repelled coordinated attacks on military positions in the state.
He described the bombings as desperate acts by terrorist groups and assured that both the military and civilian task forces would bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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 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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has departed Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom.
He was seen off at the airport by senior government officials, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amongst others.
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