- President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s top security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take control of the worsening security situation
- The President’s order comes after fresh explosions rocked Maiduguru, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured
- Tinubu declared that no part of Nigeria would serve as a refuge for terrorists
President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s top security chiefs to immediately relocate to Maiduguri following a fresh wave of terrorist attacks that rocked parts of Borno State.
The directive comes as the President ramps up efforts to combat rising insecurity and reassure residents affected by the violence.
In a statement released Tuesday, March 17, in Abuja, Tinubu described the latest incidents as “deeply troubling,” while extending condolences to victims’ families and those injured in the attacks.
“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.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.
“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.”
The President further described Monday’s incidents as acts of desperation by insurgents but expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s security forces.
“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 said.
Tinubu also revealed that additional operational support and equipment had already been approved for security agencies after a recent high-level meeting with defence and intelligence chiefs.
“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.”
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, the President declared that no part of Nigeria would be safe for criminal groups.
“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 said.
The presidential directive follows coordinated attacks that occurred Monday evening in Maiduguri. Explosions were reported around the popular Monday Market and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The blasts, which happened around 7:02 pm, left an unspecified number of people feared dead and several others injured.
Earlier that day, suspected members of Boko Haram launched coordinated attacks on three military formations across Borno State, further escalating tensions in the region.
Confirming the development, Mohammed Kafaran, Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in the state, said emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the affected areas to support rescue efforts.