President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate relocation of security chiefs to Maiduguri in response to recent bomb attacks that struck multiple locations in the city.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 17, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
In the statement, President Tinubu expressed condolences to families of victims, sympathised with those injured, and assured residents of Borno State of the government’s continued support.
“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 instill and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” the statement reads.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.”
Police authorities confirmed that the attacks claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured.
Earlier, the Nigerian Army had raised concerns over the possibility of additional suicide bomb attacks in the area.
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The president reiterated that Nigeria would not yield to threats posed by insurgents.
“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 said.
“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,” he affirmed.
The Presidency said emergency response efforts are ongoing as authorities work to stabilise the situation.