President Bola Tinubu has directed Service Chiefs to relocate to Borno state capital Maiduguri, following multiple bomb attacks that left over 20 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, occurred around 7:25pm on Monday across parts of the state.
In a statement issued shortly before departing for a state visit to the United Kingdom, Tinubu expressed grief over the incident.
“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 described the attacks as acts of desperation by terrorist groups under pressure. “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.
The President assured that security operations would be intensified. “We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.”
Tinubu also commended the military for repelling parts of the attack. “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.”
He added that new measures were already underway to strengthen security operations. “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.”
Confirming the directive to security chiefs, he said: “Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.”
The President also instructed emergency agencies to support victims, vowing to eliminate terrorist threats.
“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.”
