President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 17, ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, following bomb attacks in three locations in the city.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu mourned those who lost their lives, sympathized with the injured, and expressed solidarity with residents of the state.
“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 read.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.”
The police said that 23 persons have been confirmed dead from the blasts, with 108 injured.
On Monday, the army had said more suicide bomb attacks could be imminent in Maiduguri.
In the statement, the president added that Nigeria will not succumb to fear.
“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 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 added.
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